AN INDEPENDENT VOICE FOR RAIL USERS No 151 £2 April 2017

Challenger to the

Picture: BARRIE FORREST SEE PAGE 2 PAGE ONE PICTURE: The Forth rail bridge is now joined by two road bridges By Ray King expensive, infrequent and did Expanding the railway at last The Forth rail bridge has been not go near where she wanted to doing sterling service for 127 travel. They do not run closely to By Chris Austin years. Now it has another their printed timetables and there [email protected] upstream rival. is no “next bus” app to check Campaigners for new stations and lines have seen it all over The first was real-time running. The 30-minute the years – frustration, heartache opened in 1964 but structural Sunday frequency is inadequate, and some successes. problems became apparent in the one door for entry and exit

2005. Picture: BARRIE FORREST causes delay and frustration. Indeed, some campaigns have been running for almost half a Construction of the new Queens- Most people pay by cash and the century, such as . ferry bridge began in 2011 and it £2.35 basic ticket (more expen- will open in May 2017 to carry sive than the Subway) means Over time, reactions from the the M90 motorway. passengers are fumbling for the rail industry and Government The 1.7 mile structure is the lon- right money. have been mixed, with active co- gest three-tower cable-stayed Day tickets are not interchange- operation from local authorities bridge in the world and has cost able between First Bus and or passenger transport execu- tives in the good times, but an

£1.35 billion. McGill even though they run vir- TV VIDEO AERIAL and Picture: tually the same routes. outright refusal to contemplate About 2.5 miles of new connect- any expansion in bad. ing roads have been built, includ- Some good news for The problems have been many, ing new and upgraded junctions The new Queensferry road bridge over the n Work started in January on elec- at Ferrytoll in , South Queens- but over all there has been uncer- trifying the Shotts line between tainty, and moving goal posts. ferry and Junction 1A on the M9. costing £1.35 billion, £200 million in the Gorbals could serve new Holytown and Midcalder junc- Now, we are doing something However the new road bridge cannot be found for the housing, Glasgow College’s tions, which will allow another about it, and doing so in con- is unlikely to solve Scotland’s project. southern campus and could even -Glasgow electrified transport problems, reduce air junction with the Campaign for Crossrail would be a signifi- interchange with the Subway. A service in 2019. MANCHESTER: A crucial step in improving ’s rail network was achieved in pollution, even though the 1964 cant addition to rail services in more vigorous promotion of the Better Transport and the Depart- February when this structure for the Ordsall Curve was lifted into place. It will link Manchester’s n Kilmarnock Station Railway bridge is being retained as a pub- Glasgow by linking the north powerful economic, social, envi- ment for Transport as well. main stations. Network Rail said it is also Britain’s first asymmetrical network arch railway bridge lic transport link and for cyclists and south of the city, as well as ronmental and accessibility ben- Heritage Trust received funding Initial meetings last year recog- and pedestrians. benefiting the rest of Scotland. It efits of Crossrail is essential. from the Railway Heritage Trust nised that a number of schemes to build support for it. Then there for example, will want to know the network is welcome and it Although ScotRail does a good would also provide a new station One newcomer to the city accus- and the East Ayrshire Council’s for new or reopened stations and are some valuable tips on sources what the project does to support should help us in defining the job in Glasgow, the city is a long at Glasgow Cross, on the eastern tomed to the good public trans- Renewable Energy Fund, allow- lines were likely to be worth- of funding, and how projects can or expand the local economy. worthwhile cases to get behind way from having a good, inte- edge of the city centre, and allow port in London was scathing ing it to invest around £500,000 while. The problem for Govern- be delivered. For example, the objective may and push. grated, public transport system. integration with the about Glasgow’s public trans- in the station’s restoration. ment and the industry was that We all know that just because a be to support National Health Case studies are included, both While the Forth road bridge is and the Subway. A new station port. She said the buses were See also pages 6 and 13 there was a multitude of ideas railway or station used to exist Service policy by providing rea- of projects that succeeded and and no chance of having the time is no good reason to seek its sonable access to a regional hos- those that did not, with reasons or the resources to evaluate all of reopening as part of the national pital, or to enable housing devel- why they could not go forward. them. network. opment in an area where the road Advice is available to Railfu- Rail revolt in Pontefract It was agreed that a guide to There has to be a strong busi- network is already at capacity. ture branches via the infrastruc- The Yorkshire town of group, said: “I have been a reopening schemes would be ness case to justify it and, more Of particular value is that the ture and networks group along Pontefract has three rail daily commuter for 30 years in helpful in providing advice for than that, we have to be able to guide has been compiled by with the new guidance, and stations but there is growing London and Bedfordshire as campaigners and for sponsors demonstrate that the problem or experienced campaigners work- workshops can be arranged for dissatisfaction that it is not well as West Yorkshire. such as local authorities and opportunity is best met by a rail ing alongside the Department. branches if required. developers. solution, given the cost of rail- adequately served. “I often travel by train to This implies support from Gov- Railfuture members and way infrastructure and rolling Following a public meeting in business meetings around the Picture: PETER COOKSON Expanding the Railway; how to ernment for well thought-out branches will find it both useful stock. the autumn, Pontefract Civic country as well as using them develop and deliver a proposal is the projects for which there is a busi- as a campaigning checklist, and Society formed the dedicated for fun activities and day trips. result, and is available to down- Increasingly, we have to think ness case and where funding can also in terms of the sort of data Pontefract and District Rail I hope to bring my experiences load from the Railfuture website. of the issue not so much from a be raised. required and the way to demon- sub-group to focus on the of rail use to this group and This practical guide gives advice rail point of view, but in terms The commitment it shows to a strate the value of the project to opportunities for improving I am looking forward to on identifying a project, how to of overall economic benefit. The continuously developing rail- those with the financial or politi- both stations and services engaging with others and the develop a business case, and how local enterprise partnership, way with more access points to cal ability to make it happen. which run through the district. local community to bring better “Of all the principal towns of accessibility, infrastructure Cheshire towns and villages fight to get the benefits of rail again West Yorkshire, Pontefract is and rail services to Pontefract. By Stephen Dent Trafford. The biggest change from previous from Altrincham, Hale, Knutsford and the most irrationally served “The society believes it is not Pontefract Monkhill station with two Grand Central trains by rail,” said Peter Cookson, ideal that people of the area [email protected] thinking is the inclusion of a new station Northwich will get a direct rail link to president of the civic society cannot directly connect by the North to put such Pontefract with Doncaster. The long-running battle to reopen the at Gadbrook Park. This is in addition Crewe, enabling them to connect to services and chair of the rail sub-group. rail more frequently to places improvements into its strategic There are only two trains a day Sandbach-Northwich line to passengers to the long-standing proposal to reopen which reach all parts of the country and such as Huddersfield, Lincoln, transport plan. We also hope to Goole and none to Hull. has taken a new turn. Middlewich station. Middlewich, with a in future to connect to High Speed Two. “Connectivity is poor and there population of 13,600, is the largest town in People from Middlewich should be able to are no fully usable services Scarborough and the Peak that the successful bid for the A new organisation called the Mid District. Pontefract Tanshelf use has Cheshire without a railway station. More travel to Crewe, Manchester and any of the passing through the town. East Midlands franchise will gone down from 48,000 in Cheshire Rail Link Campaign has include an hourly Leicester emerged. I am its chairman. It is assuming than 50% of the working population of the towns on the mid-Cheshire line, including Pontefract is truly the Achilles “Pontefract and its surrounding 2011 to 32,000 in 2016. It has or Nottingham-Sheffield- responsibility for getting improvements town commute out of Middlewich by car , and leave their cars at home. The Heel of West Yorkshire rail towns and villages deserve an hourly service to Wakefield better quality services, rolling Pontefract-York service.” for rail travellers to and from Crewe, and most work in Greater Manchester. business case emphasises the importance services. In the context of the Kirkgate and Knottingley. Northern Powerhouse and stock and stations. Pontefract Monkhill is including those who use Altrincham, Hale, Both Middlewich and Gadbrook Park of the scheme in supporting the proposals for the Northern Powerhouse and HS2, and the Leeds City Region, this “Pontefract can be at the the town’s busiest station. Pontefract Baghill use has Knutsford, Northwich and Sandbach plus are in areas where there is severe traffic makes no sense at all and this Yorkshire heart of the rail Passenger use increased from gone up from 5,000 in 2011 to Middlewich, and all the villages between congestion, and reopening the railway will in helping to relieve the traffic chaos on the group has the rationalisation network, as opposed to feeling 191,000 in 2011 to 250,000 6,000 in 2016. There are only those towns. The new set-up has grown out make life much easier for people travelling A54, A556, A56, M6 and M56. of the rail service patterns as like we are at the end of line.” in 2016. There is an hourly two trains a day to York and of the Middlewich Station Campaign. to and from work. The reopening campaign It will also improve connectivity between two to Sheffield. Neither Leeds one of its key campaigning Railfuture Yorkshire chair service to Leeds and Wakefield In a 40-page business case, the Railway is now strongly supported by Cheshire our Cheshire towns and villages and nor Wakefield can be reached objectives.” Nina Smith said: “We were Kirkgate and two trains an Consultancy identified a very high 5:1 East and Cheshire West and Chester Manchester city centre, and south towards by direct train. Rail campaigners blame very disappointed that major hour to Knottingley. benefit to cost ratio for the Sandbach- Borough Councils and the town councils the Midlands. If you would like to lend decades of poor local improvements to Pontefract Monkhill also has a direct If you would like to get Northwich line. Reopening the line to of Knutsford, Northwich, Middlewich your support, you can contact me at Mid government and rail authority services were not written in to service to London by Grand involved in the campaign, passengers will create a massive boost and Sandbach. Several MPs have backed Cheshire Rail Link Campaign, 77 Sutton decision-making. Carol the new Northern franchise. Central, and this service is please email: rail@ to the economy of Cheshire and will the campaign, which has also been raised Lane, Middlewich, Cheshire CW10 0DA, Reeves, secretary of the sub- We look to Transport for the only train connecting pontefractcivicsociety.org.uk also improve travel opportunities to and with the Rail Minister in the House of by telephoning 01606 834575 or by emailing from Manchester city centre and south Commons. The intention is that people me at [email protected] 2 railwatch April 2017 Twitter: @railfuture www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ Railfuture conference 17 June 2017. Leeds Carriageworks Theatre LS2 3AD railwatch April 2017 3 station. They support the scheme with its new, full-length platforms, new and larger car park, EAST MIDLANDS accessibility improvements and retention of EAST ANGLIA Regional rail for growing towns and cities f the main building, but they would like to see f RAILFUTUREr platform canopies provided and hope that RAILFUTUREr By Peter Wakefield there is a proper lift from the booking office to [email protected] By Anthony Kay [email protected] the platforms. Final designs are expected in late By Paul Hollinghurst Cambridge has long been an spring this year. [email protected] economic centre for a distinct Electrification date is still elusive The latest usage figures for the station show region, hence the large number an increase of 4.6% over the past year, with East West Rail heads for East Anglia of local railways that historically Rail Minister Paul Maynard refused to commit Railfuture East Anglia welcomed the the Government to a completion date for the total being nearly three times the usage in centre on it. 1998. announcement in the Chancellor’s Autumn electrification. He confirmed Statement of £110 million for East West Over the past 30 years, in com- that the route to Corby would be completed Rail, including £10 million for continued mon with other university towns, by 2019, but would not commit to the date More HS2 benefits needed for East Midlands this regional centre has grown Several members of the Railfuture East development work for the section between of 2023, which was announced after the Bedford and East Anglia. This came after the into something more nationally electrification was “unpaused”, for completion Midlands committee attended HS2’s phase 2 important because of the rise of route consultation events in the region during National Infrastructure Commission, to whom to Sheffield. He was responding during an Railfuture had submitted evidence, described “knowledge-based industry”. adjournment debate called by Loughborough January. We want to ensure that HS2 really does the project as “urgently needed”. Transport A well-educated population is MP Nicky Morgan on 7 November 2016. benefit the region, for example with classic compatible services from Leicester, Nottingham Secretary Chris Grayling announced a new reliant on “knowledge” that pro- “delivery mechanism” for EWR, similar to the Good ideas for the next franchise and Derby to Leeds and beyond, and also motes innovation and dynamic from Nottingham Midland to Birmingham as approach taken with HS1, HS2 and London’s entrepreneurship for the benefit The Department for Transport has issued a Crossrail. This has been a long time coming, prospectus for the next East Midlands rail proposed by the East Midlands Councils. We of the overall national economy. are surprised there are no proposals for direct but it demonstrates the value of Railfuture’s Its continual success depends franchise, which is expected to start in July consistent campaigning over many years. 2018. There is a welcome emphasis on “putting services over HS2 from Nottingham to London on a well-educated population www.railfuture.org.uk/East+Anglia+East+West+Rail the passenger first”, together with an insistence for the 1.2 million annual passengers, which gathering together from the four could rise to 2 million when HS2 opens. corners of the world as well as on improvements to local and regional Sizewell C consultation services as well as on the Midland main line. from all over Britain. MP welcomes Ilkeston station reopening Following the Government decision to build One interesting objective is “to develop the Sizewell C nuclear power station, Railfuture People work in several distinct coastal, leisure and high value tourist services, A firm date has at last been given for the hubs throughout the Greater opening of Ilkeston station, 50 years after the East Anglia responded to the consultation including working collaboratively with heritage on rail options including the carriage of Cambridge area. These hubs railways”. town’s old station was closed following the construction materials and spoil removal, need a constantly replenishing The prospectus includes an extract from a Beeching report. and a commitment to provide a connecting workforce that tends to be dis- Strategic Statement from East Midlands Councils After the details were confirmed to her bus service at Saxmundham and Darsham persed over a wide travel-to- (representing local authorities in the region). by Network Rail, local MP Maggie Throup stations. We proposed a plan to double the work area. The hubs are often The statement’ s suggestions for improving announced: “Sunday April 2 will be a historic line from Woodbridge to Saxmundham to poorly interconnected within the connectivity include the transfer of the day in the life of our town as we finally cast off permit additional passenger services from city and with the railway station. Birmingham-Nottingham and Birmingham- the dubious title ‘the largest town in Britain Ipswich without compromising the operation Stansted services to the East Midlands without a station’, and I for one cannot wait to Cambridge and many historic of freight trains to the construction site. Our franchise, with the former possibly extended be on that first passenger train as it pulls into cities were not built for modern response also covers issues such as making the to Lincoln, new services from Leicester and Ilkeston Junction after an interval of over 50 road-borne traffic. The local road best use of the improved performance of the Derby to Manchester via the Dore South curve, years.” network operates at perpetual new rolling stock ordered by Greater Anglia, more services to Leeds from the region and There will be a 90-space car park and new over-capacity. Movement is slow, restoration of the half-hourly off-peak service bus shelters on Coronation Road, next to the and how the “paused” Ely North junction air quality poor. Yet the historic upgrade is restricting freight traffic on this RAIL WAY TO THE FUTURE: Diagrammatic map showing how the regional railway network based between Kettering and Leicester. Frequency station. Two-thirds of the £10 million cost of the centre is valued for a good qual- on Cambridge culd be enhanced by developing and existing bus-based fixed links and capacity improvements on many local station came through the Government’s New route. Committee members have since met ity of life by the workforce as the Sizewell team to explore rail possibilities in much as the millions who travel and regional lines are sought, and there is Stations Fund, with the remainder from local users a year from Ely alone, long term and today’s motorists network, to enable road users to an emphasis on a seven-day railway, with authorities. detail. The team is keen to leave a legacy and to it from all over the world. can see the rail option would achieve this rather with more commuters using rail can confidently shift modes for make the modal shift at a station departures at least from 06.00 to 22.00 on all www.railfuture.org.uk/East+Midlands+Branch Thousands use it each day for rather than the parallel A10 road. the long term and plan their lives closest to their home, rather than lines. Twitter: @RailfutureEMids than the maritime alternative which would be shopping, entertainment and used only during construction. The Newmarket line needs a accordingly. In addition, those pushing on in hope to the grid- the night economy as well as the who work at the further-flung locked radial road or a bus-based www.railfuture.org.uk/East+Anglia+East+Suffolk considerable upgrade to enable EMT promises customer improvements important higher educational employment centres from Cam- park-and-ride near the city edge. Railfuture East Midlands was represented role that has developed over 800 rail to work for the economy on bridge station will gain access in Light rail is not just for big cit- by Ariadne Tampion at the East Midlands Jamie Burles talks to Railfuture East Anglia years. Preserving this dynamic that corridor in a similar way. YORKSHIRE minutes, to take a train to Lon- ies. It works in medium-sized Trains stakeholder conference in November. Greater Anglia managing director Jamie Burles piece of history with its multiple We want minimum half-hourly f don or the airports. The phased and fast-growing cities like EMT managing director Jake Kelly supported RAILFUTUREr promised big improvements when he spoke to modern functions is where the services on all routes beyond Railfuture East Anglia members in Cambridge. Ely and Newmarket, which of light rail network will eventually Cambridge, with a population electrification because “it unlocks better railway is crucial. restore rail to fast-growing gen- long term economics”. EMT also gave details The Greater Anglia nine-year franchise will course need considerable capac- of 300,000 within Greater Cam- bring 1,043 new vehicles by 2019-2020 to ity improvements around Ely. erators of much road-based traf- bridge. of its programme to improve the customer By Chris Hyomes [email protected] 300 buses an hour! fic such as Haverhill. experience, including refurbishing the class 158 replace the whole train fleet, with over 150 The route from London Liver- Trolleybus funds for new rail stations extra trains per day delivering a 55% increase In an effort to alleviate some of Sadly, bus routes provide no such Cambridge North fleet, providing cycle “hubs”, in-transit cleaning the chronic congestion problems, pool Street and from Stratford in peak hour seats into London. There are long-term confidence for many to deal rapidly with reports of unsavoury toilets, Three new railway stations, including one for a bus-based solution has been via Audley End also needs bet- Light rail and new regional sta- demanding punctuality targets with a public potential users who currently and a development programme for frontline Leeds Bradford Airport, could be built using proposed. This would see about ter services. This already busy tions such as Cambridge North, performance measure of 93% by the end of the use cars. Bus routes can be and staff. money previously allocated for the trolleybus 300 buses an hour entering the network delivers 11 million pas- which opens this year, will Network Rail’s Spencer Gibbens spoke about scheme which was dropped in May 2016. Leeds franchise. Greater Anglia will be working with sengers a year to and from Cam- are cut because of council crises unify all the disparate centres of Network Rail to achieve this. centre. This is clearly impossible. the remodelling of the track in and around City Council has announced a £270 million bridge station. But to get workers or the bus operator’s bottom line. employment in the Greater Cam- Greater Anglia has produced a list of There is a pressing need to Derby station, programmed for summer 2018. transport strategy following a public to areas further from the existing Rail operators generally provide bridge area into one. infrastructure enhancements needed, including keep road-borne traffic out of There will be major disruption to services, but consultation which found widespread support a dependable timetable as laid We believe it is absolutely essen- Ely capacity, West Anglia route capacity, the city and off the radial roads station, more effort is needed. NR will not be imposing a complete blockade for public transport improvements. Rail stations down in their franchise commit- tial for regional rail and light rail a better service between Cambridge and approaching it. These are at grid- and are aiming to keep as many services are also proposed at White Rose shopping Dependable timetable ments that is available for about to be planned as one, to enable running as possible during the three months of centre and Thorpe Park. The airport station Ipswich/Norwich, East West Rail and Wisbech lock during ever-lengthening We believe a Cambridge light 18 hours each day. light rail to deliver “the last work. decision was welcomed by Brian Dunsby of reopening. Questions from the public included peaks. the coordination of rail activity with new rail network can link into the With a combination of light rail mile” and rail to develop as the Ariadne also attended a Festive Tea arranged Harrogate Line Supporters Group as a cost- The local railway network works true alternative to the car. by EMT for stakeholders on the regional and effective way forward. development in Cambridge, improved service hard but Railfuture believes regional railway network and and the regional railway net- local lines in the Nottingham area. Revenue to Newmarket, extra toilets needed on the it can do more. It needs to be enable the highly skilled region- work an attractive alternative to Regional rail could help other £9 billion payback protection, especially on the Robin Hood Line new trains, Ely station improvements, cycles improved to do so. The Thames- ally dispersed workforce to road-based commuting can be growth areas. In East Anglia (now being made a penalty fares zone) was a Investing £3 billion in the East Coast main on trains and improved services to Clacton. link upgrades will bring four travel with confidence on public provided. alone, Norwich, Ipswich and main focus of discussion. line would deliver up to £9 billion worth of We look forward to hearing from Jamie local trains per hour from the transport to all the major centres Cambridge Connect is the name Colchester could benefit from economic regeneration, according to the Burles again at the Railfuture national AGM in Royston line and deliver longer, of employment that are distant for the planned light rail net- well-planned rail-based net- Market Harborough improvements Consortium of East Coast Main Line Authorities Peterborough on 20 May. more frequent services to Ely. from a station and currently eas- work for Cambridge and district. works of train, light rail and bus. Harborough Rail Users have responded to the in a report delivered to the Government. railfuture.org.uk/East+Anglia+Greater+Anglia The metro-like peak hour ser- ily accessible only by car. It envisages a phased introduc- More information at www. Network Rail consultation on plans to upgrade www.railfuture.org.uk/Yorkshire+Branch www.railfuture.org.uk/East+Anglia vices between Cambridge and The nature of the railway and tion of light rail, coupled with cambridge-connect.uk/back- the line through the town and improve the Twitter: @RailfutureYorks Twitter: @RailfutureEA Ely now bring two million rail light rail means that the mode is an upgrade of the regional rail ground/ 4 railwatch April 2017 Twitter: @railwatch www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ Spain is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its high speed railway in 2017 railwatch April 2017 5 f LONDON & SE Railfuture team meets the Rail Minister RAILFUTUREr By Chris Page [email protected] My article in Railwatch 149 men- By Roger Blake [email protected] tioned that following the Euro- pean Union referendum I had Mayor loses battle for more rail devolution written to the Transport Secre- Railfuture was dismayed by the Government’s tary setting out our top ten rec- abandonment of further rail devolution, especially ommendations for rail. after seeing the benefits of London Overground. At the time it was important for We expected further devolution but new Transport the Government to re-affirm its Secretary Chris Grayling decided not to hand over any commitment to rail investment – more rail services to Transport for London and Mayor which it has since done, not least Sadiq Khan. Now, as each new franchise is renewed, in the Autumn Statement, which train operators, not Network Rail, will be responsible identified additional funding for for infrastructure maintenance. rail initiatives, including a digital Barrie Forrest, the vice-chairman of Rail Action Group East of Scotland, was signalling trial, smart ticketing Which? magazine samples the mood of passengers recognised in the New Year’s Honours List. Barrie was awarded a British Empire for season tickets, development Twice a year the official national watchdog Transport Medal for services to the community of Reston and Auchencrow. He has been of Midlands Rail Hub propos- Focus publishes surveys which are used by the CHRIS PAGE ALLISON COSGROVE CHRIS AUSTIN a member of the Community Council for almost 40 years, acting as chairman als, refurbishing and possibly industry and the Department for Transport to monitor and vice-chairman during that time. Railfuture campaigners recognise his extending Sheffield Supertram, performance. The Passenger Survey is address this as a priority, noting affect the business case, making a decent chance of getting a seat. tremendous contribution to RAGES. He has been a member since 1999, the and a National Productivity based on returns from over 50,000 passengers across that train operators would wel- opportunities which could pro- Reston representative from 2001, and RAGES vice-chairman since 2003. Investment Fund, which is avail- “My radical vision for our future 30 journey aspects. A week before the January 2017 come this as well. The minister mote local economic growth or able for local transport (including railway is one where the passen- survey was published, Which? magazine attracted agreed that changes to fares and regeneration seem unviable. gers always come first, and are to at Edinburgh, thus removing rail) enhancements to be defined. ticketing, implemented in stages, headlines with its own survey based on a sample of the 18.10, the first post- peak evening train. Railfuture recommends that never just an inconvenient after- just over 8,000 passenger experiences and covering SCOTLAND As a result of the letter, Allison were needed to provide good travel to work census informa- thought in the process of moving As CrossCountry is the only alternative to Cosgrove, Chris Austin and I customer service and to maintain eight journey aspects. local ScotRail trains which stop at , it tion be used in future business pieces of metal along other pieces f ALBA were invited to a meeting with trust between the railway and its cases, and that 2021 census infor- RAILFUTUREr will have a significant effect on its residents of metal. Is this really radical? Do Rail Minister Paul Maynard customers. His approach to pro- Millions added to station usage estimates using off-peak tickets, who will now get mation be made available sooner. you think that’s what customers Adjustments have been made to how the Office of in November. Our discussion posals brought to him is to ask By Jane Ann Liston [email protected] home 45 minutes later at nearly 20.00. The minister supported better get already? Rail and Road estimates station usage, which makes focused on the three key areas ‘What is in it for the passenger?’ forecasting as a step towards Losing a stop at Leuchars will also cut “I am concerned that, far too Railfuture more confident of their accuracy. The Glasgow Crossrail battle which must be addressed for rail and to approve only if the benefit more realistic assessment of the service to , as it has often, and despite the best efforts figures for 2015/16 (published in December) included RailQwest stalwarts Ken Sutherland and investment to be effective and to passengers was demonstrable. ­projects. It was an enjoyable been observed that a large number of efficient: of committed rail staff, it remains “Estimated absolute change in usage due to 2015/16 Roddy McDougall continue to lobby Glasgow passengers use both the Virgin East Coast and productive meeting, and we London Travelcard Methodology”. We and many others MSPs and councillors to rebuild the 1.8 miles appreciated the minister’s inter- undeniable that they don’t get it, and CrossCountry trains when they stop day in and day out.” have long had to disregard the estimates within of track which would create Crossrail, and at Leuchars. Station usage has increased We are concerned that est in and responses to the points London, as regular passenger counts at Cambridge link the lines using Queen Street and Central that we made. The following week, Mr Gray- significantly over the years, going up by Create a customer service 2Network Rail does not have the ling spoke on the need for the Heath and London Fields and other West Anglia with a station at Glasgow Cross. Pro-Crossrail nearly 10% last year. capability to deliver the expan- The following day, Transport stations have consistently exposed errors. Of 19 letters have been published in The Herald. culture.1 Successful businesses railways to change to deliver the sion programme in the timescale Secretary Chris Grayling spoke stations now adjusted upwards by over 1 million, all Ken and Roddy continue to point out the St Andrews fights back have excellent customer service best possible passenger experi- StARLink (St Andrews Rail Link) has woven into their culture, gain- needed. This is having serious to the Civil Engineering Con- but two are served by London Overground, and of the shortcomings of linking the city centre with effects on the reputation of the tractors Association on the skills ence, and changes in the way 16 stations adjusted downwards by over 1 million, half the airport using a -train, because the welcomed the inclusion of a new St ing the trust of customers and so that the railway is managed and Andrews railway which would provide ensuring that growth continues. rail industry as a whole and is and infrastructure needed to are London terminals. See the orr.gov.uk website for relatively slow tram-trains will have to use a impacting on the rolling stock sustain transport investment in financed – including implement- more information. very busy stretch of line and also the special a “significant economic development Currently the rail companies are ing the changes recommended in benefit” in the recently published Tay Cities’ cascade and on opportunities for the UK, saying that companies rolling stock will be restricted to that service. not there yet. the Shaw Report, setting up East Deal. smaller schemes with significant must invest in training thou- Railfuture’s input into local transport plans They just try to deal with the West Rail as a separate organisa- Reopening talks with transport chief It was dismayed, though not surprised, local benefits. sands more engineers and skilled Railfuture’s response to Kent and Hertfordshire’s Local existing demand, but growth tion to develop, fund, build and Rail Action Group East of Scotland has when a St Andrews line was omitted Railfuture supports the approach workers. Transport Plans and to the proposed 2018 Thameslink is tailing off. Railfuture aims operate the route, requiring new attended meetings of both Scottish from the latest Fife Plan. The reason given of prioritising schemes on the In a speech three days after our timetable are on the Railfuture website. We welcomed to publicise examples of excel- franchises to have integrated proposed Thameslink services into Kent, to Maidstone Borders and East Lothian councils. In return, was that no STAG evaluation had been lent customer service and to basis of maximising passenger meeting Rail Minister Paul May- representatives of both councils attended operating teams with Network and the Medway towns, but opposed splitting the undertaken. However, StARLink is finalising help operators to give passen- benefit, and is happy to help as nard expressed his vision for the a rail meeting at Haddington. Thanks to arrangements to commission a STAG a stakeholder to identify ways to future of rail: Rail, and giving rail workers a through Ashford-Brighton service. gers an easy journey, with best financial stake in the success of the efforts of MSPs John Lamont, Rachel pre-evaluation, which will be harder for practice over fares, ticketing, increase delivery capability and “I want to see passengers receiv- Hamilton and Iain Gray, a meeting with to define priorities in the interim. the railway. Bi-modes cover up electrification gap the authorities to ignore. StARLink is also performance, communications, ing exemplary customer service Scottish Transport Minister Humza Yousaf The minister commented that not The Barking-Gospel Oak line reopened at the arranging to meet MSPs at Holyrood to connectivity, onward travel and from the moment they decide to While our views alone may not was arranged for February to discuss the next all of the Shaw Report had been end of February after being closed for months for present the case and is confident that they information. The minister was make a journey. I want to see a have triggered these announce- steps and dates for the reopening of Reston implemented, nor had devolu- electrification work, but Network Rail has warned will be impressed. concerned that passengers felt reliable, punctual, timely train ments, we have shown the min- and East Linton stations. tion within Network Rail. that there will be more disruption this year as work to Contacts: disempowered and intended to service, where the passenger has ister and the Department for remedy design faults will continue. An electric service Music comes to the aid of Beattock Rail Action Group, East of Scotland: He would welcome ideas for Transport that our thinking is in is expected to start next year. On the diesel-operated Beattock Station Action Group will learn www.rages.org.uk/ smaller projects that would meet tune with current policy direc- tion, which brings us credibility Oxted-Uckfeld line extra diesel trains now allow longer the outcome of the level 1 STAG (Scottish Beattock Station Action Group: a rail need, for areas currently trains to run, and for the Reading-Redhill line extra Transport Appraisal Guidance) by the end www.beattockstationactiongroup.org.uk/ unserved, or to meet the demand and influence. diesel trains are sought for a more frequent service. of March, and which options will be taken for growing capacity and provide This creates opportunities, which St Andrews Rail Link campaign: tangible benefits for passengers. For the planned HS1 services between Ashford and forward to level 2. The group will hold a www.starlink-campaign.org.uk/ we can exploit only if we are the East Sussex coast, new electro-diesel bi-mode musical event in Beattock Village Hall in May www.facebook.com/StARLinkCampaign active. The first was the ideas trains are now the favoured option. Also, in order to to raise much-needed funds. twitter@StARLinkRail for smaller projects meeting a maintain the Ashford-Brighton through service and rail need, which our branches Forth Rail Link campaign LevenMouth Rail Campaign: Forecasts of passenger increase its capacity, electro-diesel bi-mode trains are provided and which I have for- The Forth Rail Link campaign was boosted www.lmrc-action.org.uk/ 3usage for new lines and stations needed and Southern could copy Northern’s example warded to the Minister. The next by Fife Council’s granting £30,000 for Capita www.facebook.com/Levenmouth-Rail- have been very inaccurate, with of converting former Thameslink trains. We support step is for our branches to work to carry out the STAG pre-assessment, which Campagin-432832616900648/ for example up to three times both initiatives. with stakeholders to promote will investigate the possibilities of using Capital Rail Action Group: predicted passenger usage at these ideas. There will be more! the former Longannet power station line to www.capitalrail.org.uk/ some new stations on the Borders Heathrow speakers at Railfuture AGM n enable a -Glasgow service. Newburgh campaign: Railway, leading to inadequate Chris Page is chair of Railfuture Speakers dealing with the Heathrow Airport southern services and station facilities. http://newburghtrainstation.org.uk/ and western access projects will address Railfuture Fife protest over CrossCountry decision Forecasts which do not recognise LSE’s AGM on Saturday 29 April 2017 Campaigners in north-east Fife were Forth Rail Link: that people change their travel Shropshire rail See the Railfuture website for latest news dismayed that CrossCountry has decided to https://www.facebook.com/forthraillink/ CHRIS GRAYLING patterns when new journey PAUL MAYNARD revival: Page 19 Twitter: @RailfutureLSE terminate a service from south-west England twitter@forthraillink Transport Secretary opportunities are offered also Rail Minister 6 railwatch April 2017 Twitter: @RailfutureScot www.railfuturescotland.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ You can join the Railfuture lottery at www.railfuture.org.uk/lottery railwatch April 2017 7 Your views Light rail and tram train London (41 minutes) without Political views By Ian Brown using the toilet, I find these new [email protected] If Railfuture wishes to be seen class 707s unacceptable. At a as politically neutral, you should stroke, SWT is downgrading Quite a few Railfuture mem- refrain from reporting individual both of these routes by replacing bers have expressed an interest politicians’ views in isolation, outer-suburban stock (class in light rail, enquiring whether even if the politician happens to 450s and class 458/5s) with light rail is preferable or other- be Christian Wolmar (Railwatch inner-suburban Metro stock wise to traditional main line rail 150). depriving passengers on these either generally or in the case of Mike Bond, Westmead Avenue, particular alternative schemes routes of disabled toilets which Picture: ERLAND EGEFORS Studley, Warwickshire B80 7NB they have had on trains for many such as in Leeds. [email protected] years. Is this another example of The answer is that this all SWT keeping costs down at the depends on the potential appli- Rail and Europe expense of disabled facilities on cation, including whether heavy trains? rail routes can be set aside for I felt it was irrelevant to give light rail and whether the system Christian Wolmar’s view that I am sure that SWT’s answer is to be essentially a city-based the Brexit referendum “was will be along the lines of “most system. conducted on such dishonest passengers only use these terms that Parliament, or the two routes for short journeys” Manchester, for example, has electorate, needs to vote on the which is completely wrong if converted heavy rail routes and issue before a decision to leave you commute from Windsor to provided new on-street construc- the EU” (Railwatch 150). London! tion and so has Birmingham. A Survation poll published in December showed only 1% of the public believes rail privatisation Manchester has been a big suc- This is a matter outside the Martin James, Egham, Surrey has been a complete success. The poll was conducted for the campaign group We Own It [email protected] cess, although Birmingham is scope of Railfuture, on which only now starting to increase members will have widely start later or go on Saturdays applying peak travel restrictions a breathing space while the ridership following extension differing views. By all means because they have to fit in to “counter peak” services out of more expensive coastal options Crossrail electrics through the city centre. state the fact that he was with bus times, opening times London. What is just as baffling are argued over. Forget the I was surprised to read Paul Tango tram train vehicle under test in Aarhus in December Labour’s candidate at the To facilitate members’ inter- of attractions, and/or daylight is the inconsistency between rumours about Meldon Viaduct Abell’s article on the back page est, two documents concerning Richmond Park by-election, hours. stations. A print-out given to me being unfit for purpose. British of Railwatch 150. He referred even that he opposed Heathrow light rail have been added to the Aarhus takes Denmark forward It would be useful to have some at my local station lists the times Rail said the same about to Crossrail electrification as far Railfuture website for member expansion, as do many pro- Denmark will get its first tram train system in June when part of kind of database to tell people after which “off peak” travel Ribblehead until our political as Maidenhead, but this was reference, both produced by UK rail activists. But let us not see the Aarhus system opens after four years of construction work where they can go to avoid is permitted at the following masters reprieved the line, after extended to Reading a couple Tram, the body responsible for opinionated European Union in which the existing 53 mile Odder-Aarhus-Grenaa rail line is this overcharging, for example, stations: which a cost-effective solution of years ago. Then he said that light rail standards. articles that do not even mention was mysteriously found. With being adapted for tram train services. rail. Chiltern charge super off peak Paddington 08.10, Waterloo 165s and 166s will all remain These are: rates for passengers leaving 08.15, Marylebone 09.00, flooding clearly still a problem on Thames Valley services until Twelve new 60 mph Tango vehicles are being supplied by Cllr Tim Mickleburgh,Boulevard 1. Advice note for promoters con- Stadler from Switzerland and will operate from Aarhus, 40 Avenue, Grimsby, DN31 2JP Marylebone before 06.30. Euston 09.26, Liverpool Street at Cowley Bridge north of CP6, but in fact this will only sidering a light rail scheme. miles north to Grenaa. The three-car units can carry 108 seated [email protected] Some years ago when Great 09.31, yet no restriction is given Exeter, a short and slightly be the handful of diesel units passengers, plus 148 people standing Western participated in the for Victoria. higher west-north link would needed for the branches to 2. An investigation into the eco- enable trains to reach Plymouth Club 55 scheme, which allowed Perhaps the most absurd Windsor, Marlow and Henley. nomic impacts of cities of invest- A batch of 50 mph Stadler Variobahn vehicles are being built in Sensible East Anglia without traversing Cowley Bridge ment in light rail schemes. travel on counterpeak services, example is St Pancras The rest will be replaced by Germany and will run 13 miles from Odder, through Aarhus and Junction. For some time I have been I was making day trips from International at 10.26. One 387s and 365s. Separate systems another seven miles north to Lystrup, via Skejby and Lisbjerg. ambivalent about continuing my London once a week or more. wonders if this anomaly will I am not a natural supporter of Tim Burford Whether you choose to support The Variobahn vehicles have 84 seats and can carry a maximum Railfuture membership. I receive [email protected] This autumn they restored the survive the introduction of privatisation and outsourcing, light or heavy rail for any city, of 132 people standing. There will be street running in Aarhus my East Anglia magazine and scheme for people over 60, Thameslink services. “Off peak but I would be interested to see Paul Abell writes: Maidenhead it soon becomes clear that both and also between Aarhus and Skejby and a short section in think yes, what a sensible, but as it was poorly publicised ticket to Cambridge? Certainly what sort of responses the big still seems to be regarded as have disadvantages as, irre- Lisbjerg. The livery for the vehicles has been designed by practical body to belong to, and (according to a staff memo madam, just go through civil engineering companies the boundary between the spective of what infrastructure British-born Stephen Willacy who is the Aarhus city architect. then along comes Railwatch shown to me) terminated a the subway to King’s Cross came up with for a design and Crossrail and Great Western is used, new light rail systems Aarhus resident Erland Egefors who took the picture above, and I think what am I doing couple of days before the (restriction lifted at 09.06) and rebuild contract for the whole electrification projects, even become separate systems requir- visited Mulhouse in 2016 to see a French tram train system with associating with these people. announced date, I made far change at Finsbury Park”. route from Yeoford to Bere though Crossrail services ing passenger interchange with a section of street running which has been operating for 10 How unfortunate the green fewer trips than I had hoped. Phil Smart, Ipswich, Suffolk Alston. Significantly less than are now expected to run the national network. years. energy policies so assiduously Simon Norton, Hertford Street, [email protected] Network Rail, I am sure. through to Reading rather Against this, light rail can be far supported by at least the Cambridge CB4 3AG David Henshaw, West Park, than terminate at Maidenhead. cheaper and easier to construct the Rotherham extension of the is more expensive at the moment editorial team have resulted [email protected] Castle Cary, Somerset BA7 7DB Joined-up thinking Certainly it was Maidenhead free from Network Rail standards Supertram network which will than either of these approaches in substantial job losses at DB [email protected] that was quoted in the revised which can inflate cost. Light rail run on the national network but can generate greater pas- Cargo UK. How interesting, I thought, Empty seats electrification programme can penetrate city centres better through Rotherham Central sta- senger flows and economic and G P Brown,Bowthorpe Road, reading Philip Bisatt’s report on Toilets are essential in the National Audit Office I refer to the eye-catching the reopening to tram-trains of than main line rail which has an tion alongside and in between regeneration benefits. Norwich NR5 8AQ report rather than Reading. photograph on the front cover the Chateaubriant to Nantes Like many people, I was upset interchange penalty and in many freight trains and main line pas- So you take your choice. Railfu- [email protected] With regard to the Turbos I of Railwatch 150 and the railway (Railwatch 150). So I by recent stories in the press cases terminal congestion. senger trains. ture’s position on these options is am afraid my wording in the accompanying article. I am sure put Chateaubriant-Nantes into and on television about those The advent of tram train The two successful tram train to inform members to assist with Off-peak tickets article is ambiguous, but there the general public would like to the Voyages-SNCF fare-finder, with disabilities who have found systems that are now taken as ref- informed choices, not to advo- will naturally need to be wires These rather stark choices make Congratulations on your see all empty train seats filled in and it came up with a three-hour disabled toilets unavailable on erence systems are both in Ger- cate a particular solution. up before 365s and 387s can every scheme controversial. headline article in Railwatch 150. order to get cars off the road but journey by bus to Angers St trains. Watching a YouTube many, in and around Karsruhe take over services. I hope this Additionally a light rail scheme One size certainly does not fit all I have long felt that by far train operators only want to fill Laud, then TGV to Nantes. It is video of the interior of the new and at Kassel. Light rail trains clarifies matters. tends to be promoted locally, although it is clear that, given the biggest problem with our seats using a pricing structure nice to know a lack of joined-up South West Trains class 707 while heavy rail is usually deliv- here are equally happy running that maximises their revenue. careful integrated planning, tram railway charging system is the thinking is not an entirely British electric trains, it appears that ered by Network Rail and funded on-street through the city centre train can have a significant role This means that on services with these trains do not have ANY designation of early morning illness! Send your letters­ by national government. and sharing the Deutsche Bahn in urban transport development low demand, such as the one toilets – disabled or otherwise. trains as peak even if they Crossing the Channel to Devon, main line with Inter City Express in Britain in question, a lot of empty seats How can this be in the 21st The concept of tram train is a light are going away from the local I agree with Gerard Duddridge’s and emails to: rail vehicle that can run on the high speed trains, although it n are more or less inevitable. century? Ian Brown CBE FCILT is metropolis. suggestion that a tunnel is the The Editors, 4 Christchurch existing main line system which does take a little getting used to. Roger Hand, Stoke St Gregory, Square, London E9 7HU ­Railfuture’s director of policy I suspect that this contributes Taunton TA3 6EW only long-term solution to the I understand these trains are to can also leave it and run on-street Tram train can potentially heavily to road congestion as [email protected] Dawlish issue. But the immediate be used on Waterloo-Windsor Email: [email protected] into or through a city centre, such solve the dilemma of choosing people take to the motorways answer is Okehampton-Bere (54 minutes) and Waterloo- Railwatch also welcomes as in Manchester, but running on between a separate, dedicated to avoid morning peak fares, Absurdities galore Alston. Whatever the discredited Weybridge via Hounslow (75 ­articles and pictures the main line network outside light rail system and a tradi- minutes) services. As someone and it is disastrous for people Network Rail might claim, the Please use email if possible but the city centre. We have made tional main line suburban sys- who want to enjoy a day in Railwatch 150 rightly draws Okehampton route is a relatively with a disability which means I include your postal address heavy weather of tram train in tem which often requires onward Ian Brown nameplate on an the countryside who cannot attention to the absurdity of quick and cheap solution, giving cannot journey from Egham to the UK, the only example being travel to the final destination. It Overground class 378 train 8 railwatch April 2017 Twitter: @railwatch www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ Laos is to build a 250-mile railway from the Chineses border to Vientiane railwatch April 2017 9 Trenitalia and Mitsui take their share of East Anglian trains By Christian Wolmar [email protected] But where does that leave the franchising process? The future of franchising is in doubt following the departure be fraught with difficulties over has been a short list of just two, likely to win contracts will be of National Express, which once who precisely should be given instead of the normal four. those backed by state-run enter- ran nine contracts, from the rail responsibility. Moreover, because of the lack of prises. While FirstGroup, Stage- industry. Rail North, for example, which capacity in the cuts-hit Depart- coach and Virgin remain in the This high-profile departure has was originally envisaged to ment for Transport, extensions industry, it will only take another Picture: MAGGIE KING highlighted a number of prob- have a measure of control over without any competition are franchise or two to go wrong for lems for the franchising pro- the Northern and TransPennine being handed out to incumbents, them to decide, like National cess, which is beset by a paucity Express franchise, seems to have simply because there is not Express, that it is not worth the of bidders and a lack of clarity been largely sidelined, having enough expertise in Marsham candle. about the precise purpose of the had only a consultative role. Its Street to process more than two The complexity and cost of bid- system. website has no entry since April or three deals in a year. ding is another deterrent. Bids While British companies are 2016! The Southern debacle only The loss of National Express, now cost up to £10 million as leaving the industry, foreign- adds to the uncertainty over the which is not going to bid for any the paperwork and the detail based businesses are taking over. future of franchising. In fact the new deals in the near future, required have increased expo- nentially. The entry of the Italian state- huge Thameslink, Southern and highlights the depth of the fran- owned Trenitalia, which has Great Northern deal was a man- chising crisis. Its departure, with So as I have often asked: “What is taken over the c2c franchise from agement contract, which means the sale of c2c to Trenitalia, was franchising for?” National Express, means that Govia, the company running it motivated by the company’s Equally pertinently: “Where is it four European state railways going?” Chris Grayling clearly are now involved in running UK does not like the present struc- railways. ture and has intimated that he Trenitalia joins Arriva (owned would like to see vertically inte- by Deutsche Bahn), Govia (35 grated deals, with parts of Net- per cent owned by Keolis which work Rail being parcelled out to in turn is 70 per cent owned by operators. That would require a SNCF) and Abellio (owned by change in legislation which is not Dutch state railways). likely to be forthcoming given other imperatives for Parliament This c2c train at Limehouse in East London on 26 February was still in the National Express livery, once a common sight on the Even the Japanese have joined in at the moment. network. Now Trenitalia has taken over the franchise and National Express is departing the scene as the huge private Mitsui com- pany has just taken a 40 per cent The Labour party’s policy is to still be signed. However, it may stake in the new Abellio Greater renationalise the railways, but NEWS IN BRIEF Anglia franchise. that is not likely to happen in be that as bidders are deterred the near future either. On current from coming forward, the DfT n The website of the European and Cherbourg. The Rosslare- Jordan Sargent of Transport This foreign takeover is becom- form, Labour would appear to may be forced into radical solu- Passengers’ Federation links Waterford rail service was User Executive (Northern/ ing increasingly embarrassing to Railfuture with 35 other pro- suspended a few years ago and TransPennine) and Transport have little chance of winning the tions such as, perhaps, running the Department for Transport in next election, whether that is this public transport organisations replaced by a bus. This made Focus, David Hoggarth, director, the light of the Brexit vote, espe- services temporarily through in 20 European countries. The cross-country journeys from the Rail North, and Catherine Deutsche Bahn owns Arriva which runs Chiltern and Arriva year or, more likely at the sched- their operator of last resort, as cially since a British government uled time of 2020. website contains a 10-question ferry port towards the west of Huddleston, community rail company would not be able to Trains Wales. Dutch Railways owns Abellio which has a happened with East Coast when survey form in English on the Ireland more difficult and the partnership officer, Leeds- take on a franchise. stake in Greater Anglia and ScotRail. French Railways Renationalisation is also more National Express threw in the experiences of long-distance rail current threat to Waterford- Lancaster-Morecambe CRP. (SNCF) owns Keolis which has a stake in Govia. Mitsui has difficult than Labour leader- Jer There is also the further non- towel. travellers. If you are making an Limerick Junction would be a The Mayor of Leeds is expected taken a share in Greater Anglia. emy Corbyn has intimated since, further backward step. to open the conference. sense that Transport Secretary That would be a kind of back- international journey of more even if Labour won, the new than 200 kilometres, please These two routes should be £25 early bird prices are available Chris Grayling has refused to government would have to wait door privatisation which would does not take the revenue risk. assessment that there was no complete the questionnaire. promoted in co-operation with until 30 April. For further details, hand over any more routes to for existing deals to run their cause much mirth in the Labour Transport for London as fran- This was a sensible arrangement money to be made in them thar Irish Ferries and Stena Line. email leeds2017@railfuture. course. party, which certainly could do EPF holds its 2017 annual chiser, even though its London given that the deal encompassed hills any more. conference on 17-18 March in org.uk or book online at www. Trying to end the franchises with the odd smile at present. n Respected rail campaigner railfuture.org.uk Overground services have been a time of great uncertainty with National Express felt their rivals Rotterdam. the redevelopment of London would be a costly exercise. There- n Bill Forbes, aged 60, died in universally recognised as a great were putting in impossible bids My new book, Are Social- Bridge station and the upgrading fore it would not be until prob- n December after a long battle with n Trevor Garrod has raised the success. which made no financial sense ist? Why Britain has no transport The Interrail pass is 45 years of Thameslink services, includ- ably the late 2020s that Labour cancer. His funeral took place in issue of customer-facing staff Indeed, devolution throws a and that the DfT was ready to policy, is now out and you can old this year. It was originally ing the introduction of new roll- would be able to gain control of introduced to encourage young January. Bill, a retired surveyor, with Greater Anglia. He said that further spanner in the works. accept them even if there was a obtain signed copies from me for ing stock. the whole industry. people to travel abroad by rail worked with RailQwest and in a 75-minute presentation Former Prime Minister David risk the deals would collapse. £8 post free. Railfuture to promote Glasgow by the company very little was Cameron’s government seemed It also meant that it is the Depart- In the absence of any radical and was gradually extended to all The company pointed to the solution there is only one option age groups. Crossrail and a proper rail link to said about staffing. Even with keener on the idea of devolving ment (and the taxpayer), not Glasgow Airport. the increasing number of ticket power away from Westminster Govia, which has lost out as a Greater Anglia franchise where, for the Department, which is to Interrail has also been enhanced despite putting in a bid that its muddle through. so that it can be used from your machines, staff are still needed, than the current PM Theresa result of the disruption caused n boss, Dean Finch, thought was home station, not just from when Railfuture campaigner Geoffrey especially for queries and May, who has been silent on the by the ongoing dispute affecting As different franchises come up, Penn (aged 94 and living in a complex journeys. issue. However, any attempt to Southern services. The real cri- optimistic, it was outbid by 40 the civil servants running the you arrive on foreign soil. You can buy Interrail tickets on care home) received the Legion Railfuture has argued against pass on franchising powers to sis is the shortage of bidders. In per cent by Abellio. This suggests show will look for bespoke solu- d’Honneur in November from a cuts in customer-facing staff, on regional government is bound to several recent competitions there that in future the only bidders tions in the hope that deals can line. There is a 15% discount offer until 31 March 2017. French Consulate Representative trains or at stations. We also want for his part in the liberation of them to be well-trained, well- France. informed, well-equipped and n After consulting with our sister Franchises ‘not fit for purpose’ but they do make money organisation Rail Users Ireland, well-motivated. Britain’s rail franchising model is “no longer to launch an independent review of the European owned, with a further seven Railfuture has written to the n The Railfuture national fit for purpose”, MPs on the Commons system. Committee chairman Louise partly in foreign hands through joint deals National Transport Authority conference hosted by Yorkshire n Imperial College London has branch is in Leeds on 17 June partnered with climate change Transport Committee have warned.The Ellman said: “Passenger satisfaction with with British firms. Private train operators to object to plans to withdraw passenger services on two lines. 2017 from 10.45 to 17.00. charity 10:10 to investigate the committee said in February that there the railways is falling. Potential benefits are have creamed off £3.5 billion from running The speakers are Chris Nutton, use of track-side solar panels were “serious deficiencies” in the way being lost and the passenger is suffering our railways over the past 10 years, The Gorey-Wexford-Rosslare major projects director for to power trains. The aim is to the Department for Transport awarded through higher fares and continued according to an investigation by the Daily line is of international TransPennine Express, Paul bypass the electricity grid and contracts, leading to higher fares and underperformance.” Ten out of 27 main Mirror which is campaigning for the rail significance because of the Barnfield, regional director, “more efficiently manage power poor performance. Ministers were advised rail companies in Britain are now wholly network to be renationalised. ferries to Fishguard, Pembroke Northern (Arriva Rail North), demand from trains”.

10 railwatch April 2017 Twitter: @railfuture www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ Italian State Railways is to buy Greek national rail operator Trainose railwatch April 2017 11 going to rail stations by encouraging better bus on 22 April 2017 at the Priory Rooms, 40 Bull links, cycle and pedestrian facilities as well as Street, Birmingham B4 6AF. 14.00-17.00 SEVERNSIDE by encouraging car sharing, particularly among Railfuture West Midlands contact: Rail is vital for better Midlands links f people travelling to school and work. [email protected] RAILFUTUREr Some of these issues were also discussed when www.railfuture.org.uk/West Midlands Branch By Graham Nalty also as many longer distance restrictions and grade crossing link, we could see through ser- Railfuture Severnside attended stakeholder [email protected] through passengers as can be conflicts at Kidsgrove. If built, vices between Nottingham and meetings in Taunton in late October and Bristol Oxford via Coventry. The full By Nigel Bray [email protected] It is great to see so many local achieved by a mix of new ser- Glasgow to London trains could in early December. Other issues raised included government organisations pro- vices centred on Walsall: travel via Stoke with the same service might be: crowding, information systems and signs. WESSEX n n Nottingham-Loughborough-Leices- Community rail company delivers progress moting rail growth. Midlands Rugeley-Cannock-Walsall-Wolver- overall journey times as via Ticket office hours extended at busy station f Connect wishes to recreate the hampton Stafford. Stoke is a better - inter ter-Nuneaton-Coventry-Leamington- The TransWilts service between Swindon and RAILFUTUREr Banbury-Oxford n Westbury, which received community rail At the November meeting of Friends of direct rail link between Leicester Wolverhampton-Walsall-Sutton Park- change for people travelling to and Coventry on the basis that Birmingham New Street Scotland from the East Midlands n Leicester–(stations to Nuneaton)- designation in September, is probably the Bridgwater Station, GWR offered to extend Nuneaton-Bedworth-Coventry- better transport between the cit- n Shrewsbury-Wolverhampton-Wal- fastest growing community rail service in ticket office hours to 18.00 for an experimental By Tony Smale [email protected] than Crewe. The service pattern Kenilworth-Leamington-Warwick-Strat- period in 2017. It is the second busiest station ies will deliver economic growth. sall-Sutton Park-Nuneaton-Leicester- between Derby and Stoke might ford on Avon Britain. At Railfuture Severnside’s Bath meeting New station for garden village Peterborough in November, Paul Johnson, chairman of the in Somerset, with 312,000 recorded journeys The Department for Transport read: n Nuneaton-(all stations)-Leamington One of 14 new “garden villages” announced n Nottingham-Derby-Burton-Lichfield- n Nottingham-Derby-Stoke-Crewe- TransWilts community interest company, said in 2015-16, and needs better facilities. by the Government in early 2017 is to be at West Midlands rail franchise twice hourly. Railfuture Severnside suggested improvements Walsall-Wolverhampton Liverpool (fast) the three-year trial of an enhanced service had Welborne on the northern edge of Fareham, briefing document mentions at Bridgwater and six other stations for n Nottingham-Derby-Burton-Lichfield- n Nottingham-Derby-Uttoxeter-Stoke- These examples show the future been remarkably successful with an estimated an area already earmarked for housebuilding. stakeholders’ aspirations for consideration by Chris Page and Chris Austin Walsall-Stourbridge-Worcester Crewe-Chester-Hooton/Llandudno for rail campaigning. We have 235,000 passengers carried in the most recent To the west of Welborne is the new village reopening lines including: before their meeting with the Rail Minister n n Burton-Lichfield-Walsall-Wolver- n Stansted-Cambridge-Peterborough- to recognize that connectivity is year. of Knowle, built 20 years ago on the site of a Walsall-Stourbridge “We have smashed our targets,” he said, adding which took place in January. n Lichfield-Burton/Derby hampton Leicester-Nottingham-Derby (stations now accepted as the key to eco- closed mental hospital. At the planning stage to Stoke)-Stoke-Kidsgrove-Alsager- nomic growth and that when a that it was more effective to demonstrate n The line from Walsall to Birmingham Derby to Stoke www.railfuture.org.uk/Severnside Branch for Knowle Village, Railfuture unsuccessfully Crewe-Wilmslow- number of inter-related services passenger growth than to ask for subsidies. The Twitter @RailfutureSSide via Sutton Park argued for a new station on land once occupied Journey times from Derby towns n Derby-(stations to Stoke)-Stoke (sta- are added together the whole is enhanced Swindon-Westbury service, recently n Walsall to Lichfield by a halt on the Fareham-Eastleigh line serving in the NW generally are an hour tions to Macclesfield)-Stockport-Man- much greater than the sum of the increased to nine trains each way on weekdays, chester. This train would serve people Knowle Hospital. That station would be very The East Midlands Councils slower than to a town in the NE parts. is now incorporated in the Great Western commuting into Stoke. useful now that a further 6,000 homes are strategic statement for the East at a similar distance. franchise. WEST MIDLANDS planned for the area! Network Rail has now What is also important is that The formation of the TransWilts company in f Midlands rail franchise prepared Delivering a 60 mph service Leicester to Coventry Railfuture branches take every RAILFUTUREr told Fareham Borough Council it is studying by SCP Transport represents an 2015 included the community rail partnership options for a new two-platform station. Bryan between Derby and Liverpool While dependent on new infra- opportunity to praise all good led by Graham Ellis and represented a change ambitious but achievable series would require not only a sig- structure, patronage can be built local government initiatives to Jezeph of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce of service improvements. from being just a campaigning organisation to said: “The station at Funtley/Knowle closed in nificant increase in line speeds up by increasing the number improve rail services by sup- one of delivery. Community Rail designation the 1960s and it should be reopened to serve But most interesting is the key between Derby and Stoke, with of services between Nuneaton porting them publicly. And then gave the company powers to vary non- the new development. Welborne should have ambition for 60 mph average removal of level crossings, but and Coventry with a new bay upsell them by suggesting fur- regulated fares and it will be promoting the objective of minimising the use of the car train speeds between the East also a new faster route from platform at the north end of ther improvements argued in a the Melksham route as cheaper for through and a new station would provide effective Midlands’ four largest cities Stoke to Crewe that avoids speed Coventry station. With the new convincing manner. journeys than via Bath. links.” The council’s planning document for (Derby, Nottingham, Leicester Mr Johnson said: “We are negotiating with GWR Welborne stresses the need for a “high-quality, and Lincoln) and Liverpool, to provide more services by attracting more sustainable public transport system” yet Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Rail is the answer to passengers. We plan to introduce services after commits only to safeguarding the site for a new Newcastle and Scotland. 21.00 in both directions through the farebox, railway station while assessing its viability. This So what are the opportunities for pollution in our cities not through subsidy.” is not good enough. If the station is to have a Railfuture? People are at last waking up He outlined the company’s proposal to enlarge significant impact, it needs to be ready with the Melksham station to accommodate longer If the benefits of job creation to the failure of transport first phase of housebuilding. justify re-connection between planners to deal with trains when diesel multiple units are cascaded Picture: ELLIE KING from the Thames Valley. The company’s goals Leicester and Coventry (23 pollution in our cities. Waterloo upgrade warning for summer miles), then there is a very strong for 2020 include hourly services over the line, As the £800million scheme to transform A dozen British cities face with improved connections at Chippenham case for improving links between the prospect of having to Britain’s busiest station (Waterloo) gets under other large centres close to each and Swindon, while its vision for 2025 way, travellers from Wessex will need to be impose charges on owners envisages extending the TransWilts route to other: of diesel vehicles under aware that from 5-28 August, there will be n Leicester-Northampton 29 miles serve Southampton Airport, where the station government plans to tackle restricted services into and out of Waterloo n Derby-Stoke 31 miles is a short walk from the check-in. to allow the lengthening of platforms 1-4. air pollution. But diesel is n Derby-Walsall 32 miles His advice to rail campaigners was to ensure Passengers will need to check before they travel only part of the problem of their message is easily understood by local by looking at the latest updates on the South n Leicester-Walsall 36 miles noxious gases from car and authorities, MPs and the Department for West Trains website or picking up a leaflet at n Stoke-Liverpool 42 miles lorry exhausts. Transport, as well as to ensure that schemes their local station. New timetables will operate n Nottingham-Stoke 43 miles Both freight and proceed to Network Rail’s GRIP 3 stage on the Windsor lines from December 2017 passenger trains have vast Many of the aspirations for new (Governance for Railway Investment Projects) and a big timetable change for all services is environmental advantages services in the West Midlands so that they are near completion when funds expected in December 2018. Once the draft over road transport. involve Walsall. While these become available, often in the run-up to a Healthy trends in West Midlands statistics timetables are published, we will be analysing improvements might not have The Government has general election. Asked how campaigners There is good news in the 2016 West Midlands their impact and submitting comments as a strong business case individu- at last set out plans for should fight pessimistic forecasts from Travel Trends statistical review. It shows necessary. Birmingham, Derby, consultants, he said the massive growth in rail increasing numbers of people using rail in ally, the additional journeys between two new links would Leeds, Nottingham and use had raised the baseline for predictions but the period from 1999 to 2016 and even more Southern’s customer care lesson for SWT prove much more profitable. Southampton to introduce much of that success, as with TransWilts, was important, more people using rail to travel in We have all experienced journeys where the clean air zones by 2020. down to marketing. He warned: “Don’t be stuck the morning peak. Rail’s share has gone up train divides or another unit is attached. At The East Midlands Councils’ at the charity end of a queue when money is from 17% in 1997 to 30% in 2016 while car use aspiration for 60 mph average Walk round any British present the South West Trains method of town or city though and the tight.” down from 52% to 37%. The bad news is that a attaching units is to keep the doors closed journey times will require ambi- smaller percentage of people are using buses. tious upgrading that needs to be problem of pollution from Station bus link needs improvement until the operation has been completed, even road transport is obvious. At the same meeting David Smith of Cam Question Time debate on transport at terminus stations such as Waterloo and taken seriously by the National & Dursley Transportation Group said it was Railfuture West Midlands is organising a Portsmouth Harbour. This leads to passenger Infrastructure Commission, in- Mayor of London Sadiq campaigning for a more regular bus link to Question Time-style debate about transport in frustration and has sometimes been known cluding a new and more direct Khan is introducing a £10 the station to relieve pressure on car parking the Banqueting Suite of Birmingham Council to result in missed connections. We believe link between Stoke and Crewe. daily “toxicity charge” for This is the which carves through Glasgow cars made before 2005. Diesel spaces. GWR had promised an earlier morning House on Thursday 6 April 2017 from 18.00 consideration should be given to the Southern Case studies – the whole is greater and separates the city centre from the West End. If you are train to Gloucester and Cheltenham from to 21.00. Four of the five main candidates for and Great Northern method of attaching units, than the sum of the parts. scrappage and a switch a cyclist or a pedestrian, this road is not only the source of to electric vehicles may December 2018 following the intervention Mayor of the West Midlands have agreed to where the doors are opened for passengers Walsall-Wolverhampton pollution but is also a substantial physical impediment to of Neil Carmichael, MP for Stroud, who is also take part in the debate, which will be open to to leave the train, they are then closed, the be a step forward but the When a service frequency reaches travelling round the city. calling for the reopening of Stonehouse Bristol the public. The mayoral election is on 4 May, units attached and the doors reopened. This problems of land use and 15 minute intervals, passenger Road station. along with other local governent elections in introduces only a minimal delay and is far more This picture is taken from a cyclist/pedestrian bridge which traffic remain. There must use has a step increase due to the is accessible only via a massive spiral ramp on one side or a England, Wales and Scotland. passenger friendly. You are less likely to miss be a shift away from road Bike, walk and car-share to the train “turn up and go” opportunities. long, straight ramp on the other. As one cyclist commented: your connection if the train is running late. transport. Train services have GWR has commissioned Atkins Rail to produce Wolmar for Railfuture West Midlands AGM For a Wolverhampton-Walsall “This is a hideous way to cross the motorway but all the to be expanded and rail lines station travel plans for 20 principal stations. Railfuture president Christian Wolmar will be www.railfuture.org.uk/Wessex+Branch service to attract traffic it needs other options are worse.” reopened. The STPs aim to increase the number of people guest speaker at Railfuture West Midlands AGM Twitter @RailfutureWessx not only a frequent service, but 12 railwatch April 2017 Twitter: @railwatch www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ Join Railfuture online at www.railfuture.org.uk/join railwatch April 2017 13 has glaring defects. Railfuture also believes not even aware of the plan to construct an Northern Connect services need to link additional chord at Bourne End to permit a half- Double benefit for freight and passengers NORTH EAST Saltburn via Redcar, Middlesbrough, Stockton, hourly through service between Marlow and f the Stillington line and Durham en route to Maidenhead. By Phil Smart Rail Max is favoured. The con- sive transportation of materials RAILFUTUREr Newcastle and Carlisle, rather than trying to There is a shortfall of only £50,000 in the [email protected] venient branch to Leiston, off by sea cram them on to the coast line. funding for the new chord, which Railfuture the East Suffolk line, is capable n Stockton should also have a far greater role as a hopes could be met by the county council. Rail freight must benefit from the Offering sustainable travel By Peter Walker [email protected] construction of a nuclear power of modification but the line itself opportunities for both construc- more convenient railhead for over 300,000 Tees- Council leader Martin Tett is also chairman of is not capable of sustaining up to siders. Darlington has 110,000 local residents. the Heartland Strategic Alliance, and so will be station in Suffolk but there tion workers and operating staff North East Combined Authority 10 freight movements per day in We reminded the Tees Valley powers-that-be aware of the need for a north-south rail link, via should be improvements for pas- for the new power station The item about the North East Combined addition to the hourly passenger that, eight years from now, the Stockton and sengers as well. n Improving reliability for pas- Authority in Railwatch 150 was slightly a reopened High Wycombe-Bourne End line, service. Darlington Railway will be celebrating its 200th This was the message Railfuture senger services, particularly misleading. The NECA remains in place and connecting with East West Rail. The planned anniversary. There is no better time to aim for delivered to the Sizewell C Stage This is because the 12 miles of through trains to and from its status is unchanged, but plans to replace it expansion of Aylesbury reinforces the case for an overall transformation of passenger services 2 consultation which closed in line between Woodbridge and ­London with a mayoral combined authority have been a South Aylesbury station to serve new homes through Stockton. The Tees Valley Connect and Stoke Mandeville Hospital. February. Saxmundham was reduced to n abandoned for the time being. single track in the 1980s. Unlocking the potential of new 2026 consultation document, anticipating EDF Energy proposes a £15 bil- passenger rolling stock to reduce capacity problems at Darlington, has nothing Peter makes his Railfuture advocates restoring High hopes for Horden Oxford electrification deferred lion project to construct the journey times to Lowestoft better to suggest than enlarging it, despite its these 12 miles to double track, A new station at Horden is planned for the A detailed presentation on current and planned plant on the Suffolk coast, north We have shared these propos- remoteness from most of Tees-side residents. providing a legacy of benefit to Durham Coast line that would break the 13-mile works in the Oxford area was made to Railfuture own history of Leiston, requiring up to 10 als with the line’s user group, Develop Stockton instead. passengers as well as freight. gap between Hartlepool and Seaham. Rail user Thames Valley in Oxford in November by Rob million tonnes of construction the community rail partnership, Mashford and Amy Harland of Network Rail. group Coastliners and Durham County Council www.railfuture.org.uk/North East Branch Readers may have noticed a ­materials. Doubling the line would achieve the Network Rail, Greater Anglia Twitter @RailfutureNEast Despite the deferment of electrification to are hoping for a quick decision to allocate new name at the head of the Two strategies have been devel- following: and the Rail Freight Group, and Oxford, Rob confirmed that it is funded in resources from the Government’s New Stations North East report in this edition oped to minimise the impact n Meeting future growth in pop- have been interviewed on local control period 6 (2019-24), together with the Fund. Horden will be a park-and-ride station, of Railwatch (see left) of road haulage on local roads ulation and travel demand by radio. rebuilding of Oxford station and a new through but is also within easy reach of 42,000 people Peter Kenyon, who has – dubbed Marine Max and Rail doubling service frequency and Double-tracking offers a unique nearby, many of whom are keen to use it THAMES VALLEY platform on the down side. Max. restoring services to Leiston f Network Rail would like to extend four tracks contributed for many years, has opportunity for Sizewell C to regularly as soon as it opens. The station is near RAILFUTUREr handed over to Peter Walker. Marine Max, bringing materi- n Offering reliable train paths for leave a positive lasting legacy of the end of stage 3 in Network Rail’s Governance between Didcot and Oxford, although with two bridges over the Thames at Appleford Peter Kenyon, seen above on als by sea, requires construction construction materials for Size- benefits both for the local- com for Railway Investment Projects process. By Martin Smith [email protected] of an expensive landing jetty, so well C as an alternative to expen- munity and the environment. and Culham this might not be possible all the board an Isle of Man train, Much more for Morpeth Witney-Oxford news way. Platform lengthening will be undertaken originally joined the then The South East Northumberland Rail User Two contrasting views on improving Witney’s at Radley, Culham and Appleford to take class Railway Development Society THE CAMPAIGN FOR RAIL FREIGHT Group is pleased to welcome 26 extra calls public transport links to Oxford were outlined 387 electric trains. In anticipation of doubling in response to an advert in the at Morpeth each week since last December’s at an Oxford public meeting in November, the Cotswold line to Hanborough, Wolvercote Guardian newspaper. timetable came into force, although some organised by the Witney-Oxford Transport Junction will be future-proofed for a two-track Having had a lifelong interest of the new trains are not in Virgin’s printed Group which is supported by Railfuture. junction. in railways, he hoped to be timetable. It is hoped the May edition will Architect and planner Raymond Hall proposed www.railfuture.org.uk/Thames Valley Branch more active in contributing to rectify this. There could be more. CrossCountry a futuristic scheme for an elevated light rail line, Twitter @RailfutureTV the survival and rejuvenation proposes 29 more Morpeth departures from similar to the Docklands Light Railway, with of the railway system. feeder bus services connecting with transport December 2017. SENRUG wants to ensure He had been active at local and hubs along the line. Railfuture director Roger Picture: PETER MUNTON they are distributed evenly during the day on national level in the Historical Sunday. The present nine northbound calls Blake brought us down to earth, proposing an incremental approach to rail reopening, DEVON & CORNWALL Association and thought this (six by Virgin Trains East Coast and three by f experience would be relevant, CrossCountry) include two just six minutes citing the successful Borders Rail reopening to RAILFUTUREr so for a while joined the RDS apart, followed by a gap of nearly three hours. Tweedbank where campaigners are now calling for an extension to Hawick. He warned against board. By Philip Shelton [email protected] Getting to GRIPs underestimating future traffic growth. Stephen Unfortunately this did not Full reopening of the Ashington, Blyth and Tyne Joseph, from the Campaign for Better Transport, Okehampton line need for Cornish resilience prove fruitful as at this time. line by 2021 is hoped for. Northumberland highlighted the British failure to connect Reopening the Okehampton route from He felt that the board did not County Council’s cabinet is on the point of development planning with transport planning. Exeter to Plymouth with 90mph capability pull together, so he did not seek commissioning the GRIP (Governance for Funding is the main problem in opening is necessary, according to Greengauge 21 re-election. Railway Investment Projects) study from new lines, but two potential sources are in its response to the Peninsula Rail Task Peter resolved to concentrate Network Rail. However, residents of Seghill have development charges and workplace parking Force’s report Closing the Gap. More capacity on the North East branch. petitioned the council to reinstate a station for levies, as in Nottingham. The population of is essential because of continued disruption Members proved a most their community. SENRUG believes it might Witney and Carterton is growing rapidly and on the Dawlish route and the need for more welcoming and companionable be cheaper to build a Seghill station than to Eynsham, a proposed “garden village”, will have freight train paths. We also believe more group. Hanborough as its nearest railhead. It was on the back of a lorry in January but It is shown at Allelys Heavy Haulage Yard exclude it, because of the need for an extra InterCity125 trains should be used because The branch committee had a passing loop on a currently single-track section. they are more resilient to sea spray at Dawlish this new locomotive will soon be providing at Studley near Redditch en route from Vertical integration for East-West Rail high opinion of Railwatch, and superior traction for freight trains on Britain’s Southampton Docks to the Direct Rail Services than the CrossCountry Voyagers. Greengauge when the job of compiling the National Infrastructure and Connect 2026 After 30 years of campaigning, Railfuture 21 also recommends a north-to-west chord rail network. The new class 88 is dual mode, depot at Carlisle. welcomes the Government’s go-ahead for regional column became vacant so it can haul freight trains with power from Members of Coastliners and of the Saltburn north of Cowley Bridge to allow direct running he took on the task. Nine more locos, built in Valencia, Spain, Line User Group have responded to several rebuilding the line between Bicester and from the Taunton direction to Plymouth via 25kV electric overhead lines or by firing up its are being shipped to Workington in a joint simultaneous consultations – local transport Bedford. However, the grant of £100 million Okehampton. These recommendations are This proved to be enjoyable, as Caterpillar diesel engine to continue over the deal involving Stadler Rail and Beacon Rail plans in Stockton and Hartlepool, a wider- from the Government is in fact just for the almost identical to Railfuture’s long-held policy. it gave him an overview of the “last mile” on an unelectrified line. Leasing. ranging Tees Valley Connect 2026 consultation, flyover across HS2 at Calvert, and really ought rail scene and provided contact to be included in the HS2 budget. £10 million with interesting groups and and the National Infrastructure Commission. Barnstaple-Braunton tramway Rail freight fights for a place in post-Brexit world The response to the NIC involved virtually every is granted for further planning of the Bedford- individuals. Cambridge route. Chris Grayling’s plan is that The charity organisation Combe Rail is By Lee Davies rail group in the region. proposing TawLink – a modern tramway on Thanks to the co-operation of moving consumer goods, such as mineral water, Railfuture is calling for restoration of the East-West Rail should be designed, financed, the editors, Peter has been able [email protected] beverages and foodstuffs. Rail freight is integrated constructed and operated by a single state- a former rail route between Barnstaple and Leamside line, upgrading of the (Stockton-) to reflect the total picture of In the wake of the British vote to leave the at key sea ports to provide hinterland connections owned organisation. Former Chiltern Railways Braunton which is still 98% intact. It would Norton-Ferryhill line to passenger standards run alongside the Tarka Trail cycle path. The main line, regional, local and European Union, the rail freight community is from and to industrial plants, terminals and and running regular passenger services, managing director Rob Brighouse has been preserved services, as well as appointed chairman of the new organisation, idea was presented to Devon County Council’s demanding its voice is heard in the negotiations. distribution centres. building stations at Team Valley on the East ExeRail working party on 17 February, with a chronicling branch activities. Coast main line, Ferryhill (straddling the ECML so we can be sure that East-West Rail is in good Rail movements between Britain and our Railfuture’s freight group will be liaising with hands, as he will know to avoid all the legal view to commissioning a pre-feasibility study. In retirement he hopes to mainland Europe partners require continuity and and the Stockton branch junction) and Horden See www.taw-link.org.uk/ continue to monitor the Tyne- trade bodies to push the Government for (see above) as well as reopening the Ashington, pitfalls which beset Chiltern’s rebuilding of the conditions that allow proper operation. If there is guarantees. For logistical access to European Oxford-Bicester line. Wear Metro, while maintaining any doubt, customer confidence will be damaged. Blyth and Tyne line. Railfuture Devon & Cornwall AGM his interest in the Isle of Man markets, it must remain “business as usual”. The consultations reminded us of the The Channel Tunnel forms a vital infrastructure The 2017 Railfuture Devon & Cornwall AGM will Steam and Manx Electric n n n n n n n n importance of local connections within the Buckinghamshire sees the light be on Saturday 22 April at the Unitarian Church, Railways, together with facing artery, linking producers, suppliers and area bounded by Bishop Auckland, Darlington, We are very pleased that Buckinghamshire Notte Street, Plymouth PL1 2AQ, at 13.30. the new challenge provided consumers. Rail is already integral to a number of Geodis Logistics relaunched its rail service Thornaby (with TransPennine services County Council has appointed a strategic by the threats to the future of large European customer supply chains. Car parts, for unaccompanied road trailers in February to Manchester Airport), Middlesbrough, transport officer, after 10 years without anyone www.railfuture.org.uk/Devon and Cornwall Branch the unique Douglas Bay Horse semi and finished steel, aluminium, and industrial between the French Pyrenees and Calais, with Nunthorpe and Saltburn. The present pattern to deal with rail matters. The council was Twitter @RailfutureDC Tramway. minerals are hauled by train, along with fast- on-forwarding to the UK. 14 railwatch April 2017 Twitter: @railfuture www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ Rail User Express can be downloaded from www.railfuture.org.uk railwatch April 2017 15 New stations for South Wales CYMRU Railfuture was credited with helping to fund part of the GRIP3 study (Network Rail’s NORTH WEST f WALES Governance for Railway Investment Projects) f Home truths for rail expansion RAILFUTUREr for Magor Walkway station in the January 2017 RAILFUTUREr edition of Modern Railways. Railfuture Wales By Chris Austin n Culm, Devon, next to helped Magor Action Group On Rail apply By Arthur Thomson [email protected] Cullompton where station plans for funding from Railfuture in 2015. Another By Rowland Pittard [email protected] With a growing population, Eng- are already being developed by [email protected] contributor is Monmouthshire County Council, the County Council. which has also applied to the New Stations Electrification delay fallout land needs more homes, so Gov- n Infinity (South Derby) on the

ernment policy is to encourage Picture: ARRIVA Inquiry into devolved franchise Fund 2 for Magor Walkway construction. It is Railfuture North West and user groups in our planned that the station will serve walkers and area are concerned about the delay in the Great new housebuilding, and not just Castle Donnington freight line. n An inquiry into the delivery of a future Wales cyclists but will not have access for cars. Western electrification programme announced in the south east. Long Marston (Warwick- and Borders franchise is being conducted in November by the Government. Parts of For example, over the next 25 shire) would add weight to the by the National Assembly’s economy, Cardiff Parkway station the original electrification plan have been years the number of households case for Stratford-Honeybourne infrastructure and skills committee. The Welsh Cardiff Parkway Developments Ltd has applied shelved, with no stated completion date, other in the West Midlands is expected (-Worcester/Oxford) reopening. Government aims to award an integrated to the New Stations Fund 2 for the construction than a vague “in control period 6”. This means to increase by 264,000 and in n Welborne (Hants) a larger contract this year for both the franchise and of a Cardiff Parkway station at St Mellons in the planned cascade of diesel multiple unit Greater Manchester by 228,000, the infrastructure. The new development between Fareham the eastern part of the city. This proposal trains from GWR to Northern routes will also although the big increase is and Botley. franchise starts in October 2018, although the could however reduce the capacity of the lines face major delays even though the trains are going to be in Cambridgeshire, At Lancaster, the proposal at necessary devolution of executive powers from between Cardiff and Newport. desperately needed right now. Essex and Hertfordshire, where Westminster to the is still Northern claims the delay in introducing Bailrigg would be next to the the requirement is for a massive and Lan- awaited. upgrades under way service improvements will be only six months 2.4 million new homes. It will be the Welsh Government, rather than caster University, but would be Work has started on resignalling and track (to May 2018) but Railfuture North West One of the ways to encourage the National Assembly, which takes the rationalisation of the . quite close to Lancaster station, believes this is not realistic. It seems unlikely new building was announced by decision on priorities and which awards the The scope of the first stage has been reduced to so access to the network will be that commitments for new and enhanced the Government on 2 January, in contracts. The public consultation on the plans Chester to Colwyn Bay. The Llandudno branch well worth further evaluation. services in the Northern franchise can be met. relation to three “garden towns” is also still awaited line has been excluded and Railfuture Cymru/ The other sites may need bus Some of these enhancements will indeed go and 14 new “garden villages”. The current committee inquiry has called for Wales has objected to this omission because ahead. Northern has said that from December links as they are some way from evidence on how risks in the development, Governments in Scotland and AYLESBURY VALE PARKWAY: This station was opened by the anticipated improvement to services on the 2017, the Clitheroe-Manchester service will Chiltern Railways in 2008. It has good connections and plenty existing (or former) railways. procurement and delivery process can be Wales have their own devolved branch will now be delayed. be extended to the newly opened bay at of room to expand. Both buses and trains are run by Arriva The Government’s announce- mitigated. It will also consider priorities for powers, while in England the The down loop at Abergele has been Rochdale station. Northern is also exploring which is now Chiltern Railways’ parent company ment does not guarantee these the franchise specification and how value for decommissioned and work is currently in the possibility of extending the Blackburn- policy and some of the funding villages will be built, or that they money for both passengers and the taxpayer progress on extending the down platform Todmorden-Manchester service to Manchester originate in Whitehall. will be of the size forecast. These with the access roads and pub- ­station and the capacity. Some can be achieved. outwards (not an increase in length) to serve Airport at the same time, though this would All this brings new opportuni- are matters for local authority The Welsh Government has set out its the through line. Down trains have not been depend on completion of the Ordsall curve. ties for Railfuture, and we have lic facilities such as schools and is around Stoke Mandeville and some to the south of the town and developers, but the Govern- ambitions for the Metro but it will be up to able to stop while the work is in progress, Even when electrification of Manchester ­analysed the proposals to iden- shops. The garden town expan- straddling the line to Princes Ris- ment encouragement is backed the bidders to propose how it will be built and and westbound passengers are being bussed Victoria-Euxton Junction is completed, electric tify those where trains could sions proposed at Taunton and borough, near the site of South by money for detailed planning, operated. Railfuture Cymru/Wales has provided from Rhyl or to Colwyn Bay. The up platform is trains will have to wait for the delayed Preston- play a significant role in mov- Harlow will certainly increase Aylesbury Halt, closed in 1967. including transport links. evidence for both issues. also being upgraded. The signal box is still in Blackpool section to be completed before they ing the residents of these new demand at their existing stations, use but will eventually be replaced by further but the development sites are not Of the garden villages, two are It is important for branches to can run to Blackpool North. The new diesel train ­developments. make the case for good connec- Changing face of the South Wales Metro intermediate block signals. positioned to benefit from any reasonably well served by exist- depot at Blackburn is planned for completion Branches are invited to cam- tivity with the railhead right Track work is also taking place at Mostyn Docks. new stations. ing stations which may require This project is being called the Cardiff Capital in September 2017 which will allow Blackpool paign with their local authori- investment – at Longcross, at the start – before options are Region Metro and is moving away from the The delayed redoubling of the track between North depot to be closed and converted Rossett and Saltley Junction between ties to make sure that where a At Aylesbury, however, some of Berkshire, and near Hanbor- closed off. Further details can initial concept of providing heavy rail electrified to stabling for electric units. Northern and new or improved station may be the expansion is close to Ayles- ough in Oxfordshire. Four may be found on the relevant local lines in south-east Wales including all the Valley and Chester will be commissioned on 1 April Porterbrook have announced plans to develop following a week-long closure of the line. required, it is built into the devel- bury Vale Parkway where Chil- strengthen the case for new sta- authority website or on the Gov- lines from Ebbw Vale Town to Maesteg and electro-diesels from the class 319 electric units opment plans at the start, along tern has already created the tions, and these are at: ernment website. the Vale of Glamorgan line. It is now a hybrid but this may have resulted from fears of further Good news from Arriva Trains Wales scheme which involves only the electrification delays to electrification in the North West. Train operator Arriva Trains Wales continues of the core Valley lines and the possibility of to provide a reliable service with good time- Rail options at 14 garden villages and three garden towns Stations wanted for ‘Garden Villages’ using light and not heavy rail for these lines. keeping on many lines, but has received a By Andrew Long n Under new Government plans to expand station may have been Gretton (north of Infinity Garden Village in Derbyshire Railfuture responded to the consultation considerable amount of publicity because affordable housing, money has been allocated [email protected] Corby), closed April 1966. (Stenson Fields on southern edge of Derby; Setting the Direction for Wales and the Borders of its overcrowded trains. However, the Rail which did not indicate this change of for “Garden Villages”. Four are in the North West The 14 new garden villages will be in: n Culm (east of Cullompton in Mid Devon near Stenson Junction). New station at or Heart of Wales Line Travellers Association n District Council). Cullompton reopening near Stenson Junction. direction. Consequently there has been no is still complaining in January of frequent region – Bailrigg in Lancaster, St Cuthberts near Long Marston near Stratford-upon-Avon public consultation on the change even though Carlisle, Handforth in Cheshire and Halsnead (between Stratford-upon-Avon and Honey- and “Devon Metro” enhanced rail services. n St Cuthberts in Cumbria (south of Carl- cancellations and unreliability. n it has been included in the specification for the Rail use generally increased before Christmas in Knowsley. All four are close enough to rail bourne). Vital that Stratford-upon-Avon to Welborne in Hampshire (near Wickham/ isle). Improvements at Carlisle Citadel sta- new Wales and Borders franchise. and has continued to grow in the New Year lines to allow good connections with existing Honeybourne reopening is progressed with a Knowle, outside Fareham, South Hants). tion (VWC, Northern, TPE). The four bidders had until 19 December 2016 with higher fuel prices for motorists stimulating stations or have plans for new ones. At the railway station at Long Marston. The scheme Reopening of Knowle (closed April 1964, on n Handforth in Cheshire (Handforth, near to present proposals including detailed outline most of the growth. Most station car parks are moment it seems the planners are prioritising could be in conjunction with the Gloucester- Fareham-Botley-Eastleigh line). Wickham Wilmslow). Handforth and Wilmslow rail- solutions for the next phase of the Metro, with now full on weekdays. road connections, but Railfuture North West shire Warwickshire Railway which has lon- was on the Meon Valley line, closed February way station improvements. wants to make sure that railway connections ger-term proposals for reopening Broadway electrification of the core Valley lines. They ATW has started fitting class 175 and 150 units 1955, between Knowle Junction and Alton. The three new garden towns will be in: were also expected to specify what mode of with wifi using a Government grant. The work are included in local plans, if only to reduce to Honeybourne. Long Marston closed in n West Carclaze in Cornwall (near St Aus- n Buckinghamshire (Aylesbury Vale area). transport - whether tram or heavy rail. will be officially launched when more units pollution from road traffic. These newly built January 1966 when the Stratford-upon-Avon tell). Improvements at St Austell rail station. Aylesbury Vale Parkway. Proposed reopen- are fitted. Electrical power points for charging communities will vary in size from 1,500 to to Worcester local train service was with- n The bidders have been investing millions in 10,000 properties and will get £6 million in drawn. It is not impossible, given reopen- Dunton Hills in Essex (near Brentwood). ing of Aylesbury Vale Parkway-Claydon their detailed bids, which will also include plans laptops and phones are being fitted to class Improvements at Brentwood railway station, 158 units but will not be fitted to class 175 units Government funding over two years. ing, to extend Bromsgrove/Kidderminster- Junction, as part of East West Rail. of how they would deliver proposed future Worcester services to Worcester Parkway Abellio Greater Anglia/Crossrail. n which are owned by Alstom. Southport-Manchester South services Somerset (Taunton area). Devon Metro phases of the Metro network beyond the Valley and Honeybourne, returning to Birming- n Spitalgate Heath in Lincolnshire (southern Toilets and seating are being upgraded in class There was some good news after the meeting local train service proposed from Taunton- lines including a North Wales Metro. ham via Stratford-upon-Avon and the North edge of Grantham). Improvements at Gran- 142 units and improvement work on class 150 between the Ormskirk, Preston and Southport Exeter, including reopening of Wellington These proposals are now being considered by Warwickshire line. Requires co-operation than station (VTEC/EMT) units continues to the extent of murals in the Travellers’ Association, Northern and Rail North and Cullompton stations. Extension of West the not-for-profit , which is toilet on one unit. between Worcestershire, Warwickshire and n Halsnead in Merseyside (Whiston, Know- Somerset Railway service from Bishops wholly owned by the Welsh Government. in November. Services on the line will not be A new station shelter is planned for the up changed before May 2018, deferred from the Transport for the West Midlands. sley outside Liverpool). Whiston railway sta- Lydeard/Norton Fitzwarren into Taunton. n The Welsh Government aims to deliver a quality platform at Machynlleth together with new original December 2017 change which would Oxfordshire Cotswolds (Eynsham, outside tion on Liverpool-Manchester line, Mersey- n Essex-Hertfordshire border (Harlow and and reliable railway service which will be at the steel railings along both platforms to replace have resulted in all services from Southport Oxford in West Oxfordshire District Coun- travel PTE. Gilston). Lea Valley/Stansted Express/Cam- the old wooden ones. heart of an integrated transport system. to Manchester being diverted to terminate at cil). Proposed to be served by bus “park and n Longcross in Surrey (former Defence Eval- bridge West Anglia Line improvements – Plans for a new disability compliant footbridge Another stage of the Metro has begun, Manchester Victoria. The plan remains however. ride”. Nearest railway station is Hanborough uation and Research Agency site near Chert- four-tracking/loops, higher line speeds, etc. at Abergavenny are on hold. A contributory including upgrading and extending car parks OPSTA representatives report that the meeting (Cotswold line) or Oxford Parkway. sey). Improvements at Longcross railway sta- factor is the listing of the existing footbridge. The key to station reopenings and new sta- at Llandaf and Radyr and the provision of was constructive and is hopeful Rail North and n Deenethorpe in Northamptonshire (east of tion, Ascot/Reading line of SWT. tions to serve housing areas is the ability of improved booking office facilities. However www.railfuturewales.org.uk Northern can devise alternative options. and outside Corby on a disused airfield site). n Bailrigg in Lancaster (near Lancaster Uni- local authorities to extract Community Infra- the capacity enhancement for the Ebbw Vale Twitter @RailfutureWales www.railfuture.org.uk/North West Branch Re-doubling of Kettering-Corby and electri- versity). Improvements at Lancaster Castle structure Levy (CIL) from developers – and branch has not yet been completed. Twitter @RailfutureNWest fication of Bedford-Kettering-Corby. ­Nearest railway station. not just to spend it on new roads! 16 railwatch April 2017 Twitter: @railwatch www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ Please remember Railfuture in your will: http://tinyurl.com/3qtdzj7 railwatch April 2017 17 NEWS IN BRIEF Shropshire Construction of High Speed Two Consumer Prices Index which is expected to begin this year, fol- rose by only 0.6%. lowing the High Speed Rail (Lon- n n n n n n n n shows the don-West Midlands) Bill gaining royal assent in February. The Bill Britain’s most expensive fare is was passed 399 to 42 at its third £501, an anytime return from reading in the Commons while Shanklin (Isle of Wight) to Bux- way ahead Picture: CHRIS AUSTIN ton (Derbyshire), according to a the Lords voted 386 in favour By Chris Austin to 26. The line to Birmingham report in January in the Boston should be operational in 2026. Standard. [email protected] n n n n n n n n Station staffing works! Gobowen n n n n n n n n Picture: Lincolnshire County Council station on the Chester-Shrews- Only 40% of the British rail net- Chiltern Railways is to pilot an bury line is already a success work is electrified, compared to app which will allow passengers story and a classic example of 60% in Germany, 100% Switzer- to use their mobile phone as a community rail in action. land, 85% Belgium, 76% Nether- ticket. The phone will open ticket gates using bluetooth technol- The station serves a Shropshire lands and Sweden, 71% Italy and village with a population of 3,270 70% Austria. ogy, which is being developed by SilverRail. but the station pulls above its n n n n n n n n weight, with 213,900 passenger n n n n n n n n Rail passengers are paying 50 journeys recorded for 2015/16. pence per mile for tickets, com- About 20% of people buy the This is four times the usage of the pared to 15p in Italy, 24p in wrong ticket when they use sta- next station, Chirk, and two and Belgium, 33p in Austria, with tion ticket machines. While 7% a half times that of the other local France, Holland and Ireland at under pay, 13% are paying too station on the line at Ruabon. It 30p, according to research car- much. is a striking example of the ben- ried out by Vouchercould for the n n n n n n n n efits of a staffed station, properly Daily Mirror in February. Rail companies’ average divi- promoted and embedded in the n n n n n n n n dends increased by 8.7 per cent community it serves. GOBOWEN: A train for Holyhead calls at the station. Soon, a connecting train for the hospital Train fares went up by an aver- last year while tax bills dropped Tickets are available from local could be leaving from the bay platform on the right age of 2.3% in January, according by 36.8 per cent year-on-year, agent Severn-Dee Travel in a to a BBC report which estimated according to an analysis of Go- comfortable room on the up mile with a frequent service to ISSN 0267-5943 www.railwatch.org.uk that 70% of the total cost of the Ahead, National Express, Vir- platform, which also serves as a the Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt gin and Stagecoach company popular local cafe. Orthopaedic Hospital, with an railwatch network is now met by rail pas- is edited by Ray King, 4 Christchurch Square, London E9 7HU sengers. Virgin Trains East Coast returns, carried out by research- Refreshments are provided by estimated 5,000 staff, visitors and patients arriving each day. Tel: 020 8985 8548 [email protected] said its average fare price rice ers for the RMT union. The find- the local Derwen College, which Printed by Print-Out, High Street, Histon, Cambridge CB4 4JD was 4.9%. Railfuture said that ings were published by The Times Patients are referred from all works with young people with Tel: 01223 232709. Railfuture members receive ­Railwatch free. increases should be based on the in December. learning difficulties as part of one over the country and many have of their courses. The station has to make long journeys, best made Non-members can subscribe online at www.railfuture.org.uk/shop or by won a number of awards for its by rail. The heritage railway has sending £8 (cheque payable to Railfuture) to: Alan Cocker, 11 Derwent Be a winner with Railfuture enterprise and initiative. taken ownership of the line from Road, Ipswich, Suffolk IP3 0QR. Rupert joins welcome team Network Rail and applied for a If your name is Smith, you should join the Railfuture Lottery! Three Report by Don Peacock [email protected] The original two-storey station Copy deadlines: For the next issue, published in July, please email different Smiths have won prizes up to the top award of £40 in the building of Italianate design Transport & Works Act order. ­material to [email protected] by Thursday 8 May. Late news no last three draws. Our picture shows Rupert dating from 1846 stands on the The railway would undertake later than Thursday 18 May. Postal address: 4 Christchurch Square, To give yourself a chance, even if you are not a Smith, join on our the dog at Skegness down side and is grade II listed. the refurbishment of the line and London E9 7HU. website using PayPal, or pay by internet banking or simply send station alongside the Jolly Now empty, it needs repairs esti- construct the station at a lower Advertising: Full page: £190. Half page: £95. Quarter page: £45. a cheque, for a multiple of £12 for a year’s entries, to Railfuture Fisherman statue. Rupert mated to cost around £200,000. cost than could be delivered by Small ads are free to members. Otherwise: 30p per word. The CRP, together with the local Network Rail, and the heritage Lottery, 24 Chedworth Place, Tattingstone, Suffolk IP9 2ND. Or email and another dog called Please report any problems with the delivery or condition of your copy of [email protected] for more details. Charlie, who both belong to for 192 cycles monitored by authorities and the community railway will operate the service CCTV and with an electronic have launched “SOS Gobowen” with a class 139 Parry People Railwatch to [email protected] or to the E9 7HU address above. Recent winners: November: Graham Smith, Francis Thomas, David Stocks, Railfuture member Carolyn entry-exit system, at Lincoln to raise funding to restore the sta- Mover vehicle or something Railwatch abides by the National Union of Journalists’ code of conduct. David Smith, Roger Blake, John Henderson. December: M Robinson, Mark Sharpe, have been officially recognised as station Central station. tion for community use. similar. It was not surprising Edgell, Garth Smith, Martin Adams, David Bailey, Terence Sheppard. mascots by East Midlands The cycle hub is part of a The perils of fragmentation then that we chose this package Railfuture January: Graham Smith, John Bissett, Ian Clatworthy, Paul Krebs, Gerald of interlinked projects to be one Trains. The dogs meet and larger project to provide a is independent and voluntary. It is the campaigning name of the Railway Chandler, John Barfield. Illustrating the practical prob- of our top ten “small” schemes greet passengers at the new integrated transport ­Development Society Ltd, a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. lems caused by the fragmenta- to send to transport minister station. hub, with a bus station Registered in England and Wales No 5011634. tion of land ownership following Paul Maynard MP following our Carolyn is a committee ­Registered Office: 24 Chedworth Place, Tattingstone, Suffolk IP9 2ND. outside the railway station privatisation, the station build- meeting with him. member for Railfuture and a large station car park. ings on both sides of the line are Join A rail link to a major hospital, Media enquiries Get four copies of Railwatch magazine a year, early-bird Lincolnshire which held The station buildings have not owned by the railway, but a restored station linked with discounts for our two annual conferences its AGM at St Swithins already been renovated, and by the John Lewis Partnership Bruce Williamson, 29 Granby Hill, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4LT. Community Centre at a successful ticket agency and and the chance to help improve Britain’s railways work began in February on Pension Trust. The platforms Tel: 0117 9272954 Mobile: 07759 557389 Lincoln on 11 March. building the bus station and are owned by Network Rail and cafe, all with the support of the Email: [email protected] JOIN USING PAYPAL AT www.railfuture.org.uk/join One of the speakers was pedestrian plaza to link the form part of the station lease to community, adding value and providing employment as well Membership £18 per year (special offer). n Individual £18 per year (special offer price) Peter Harrold of Lincoln station to the city centre. The Arriva Trains Wales. Colonia Rotary Club, which as a better experience for passen- Pensioners, students and unemployed: £14. n Joint £20 (special offer price) work is expected to take a On the down side, the tracks is a station adopter for gers, and a reduction in car use. It User groups, community and parish councils: Please apply for rates. n Pensioners, students and unwaged £14 year to complete. connecting to the former line Lincoln station and which sounds like a winner to me! You can join using PayPal via www.railfuture.org.uk or by post, please n Rail user groups, community and parish councils £21 to Oswestry belonged to BRB has interesting plans for I hope that by the time ­contact Railfuture Membership, 1 Queens Road, Barnetby le Wold, North (Residuary) and have recently improving the station Railwatch 152 is published, Lincolnshire DN38 6JH. Email: [email protected] been transferred to Cambrian Railwatch welcomes Name ...... environment, including the there may be some positive articles and pictures currently disused platform. results to report from my Heritage Railways. A confusing

meeting with the leader of patchwork indeed. from rail users and Renewals and other membership queries: Address ...... Railfuture policy director Use PayPal on the website or send a cheque to North Lincolnshire Council Connecting communities Ian Brown and Sergeant rail user groups Railfuture Renewals, 24 Chedworth Place, ­Tattingstone, Ipswich IP9 2ND. on 21 February to discuss ...... Postcode ...... Ian Wright of British The heritage railway is an active Send your material to: The Email: [email protected] Transport Police were also the use of section 106 money partner in the development of Editors, 4 Christchurch Square, Email ...... guest speakers. Railfuture to enhance the provision of the station and the restoration of London E9 7HU Elections Board elections held annually. Nomination forms can be member Chris Brown public transport in general the line to their base at Oswestry Email: [email protected] obtained from www.railfuture.org.uk/tiki-index.php?page=Elections Send to Railfuture, 1 Queens Road, Barnetby le Wold DN38 6JH attended the opening of and rail in particular in the with 30,000 people living within Please use email if possible but Many other useful contact details can be found on the Cheques payable to Railfuture. Email: [email protected] Who’s Who the cycle hub, with parking region. the catchment area. The initial include your postal address ­Railfuture website: www.railfuture.org.uk plan is to reopen the first half 18 railwatch April 2017 Twitter: @railfuture www.railfuture.org.uk ◆◆◆◆ European Rail Timetable available at http://www.europeanrailtimetable.eu railwatch April 2017 19 Picture: BRIAN MORRISON

HIGH SPEED POTENTIAL: East Midands Parkway station could be a better choice for HS2 than Toton, the current candidate A better high speed station for the East Midlands? By Terry Holt which is already exceeding peak minutes, Leicester 18 minutes Existing journey times to London [email protected] capacity at the Pentagon island and Loughborough eight min- are 91 minutes for Nottingham, A new split-level station should in Derby and Wollaton approach- utes. These journey times are 89 minutes for Derby, 82 min- be built at East Midlands Park- ing Nottingham. expected to improve when cur- utes for EMP, and 78 minutes for way to provide a hub station for Existing rail connections to Toton rent programmed rail enhance- Loughborough. High Speed Two and the Mid- from both Derby and Notting- ment is completed. A significant additional issue is land main line. ham are very slow, and the limi- The only new dedicated shuttle Ratcliffe Power Station which is next to East Midlands Parkway Railfuture East Midlands believes tations of Trent Junction provide service needed would be from station. The power station is this is a much better option than little scope for improvement. Mansfield and North Notting- hamshire, with a new smaller expected to be decommissioned the Government’s proposal for Shuttle services from the three station in Long Eaton town, in in 2025, leaving a large brown- an HS2 hub at Toton. cities will require the con- struction of bay platforms and order to optimise the economic field site. East Midlands Parkway would upgraded signalling. Rail access regeneration of the region. Rushcliffe Borough Council has allow easy transfer between new to EMP could easily be improved It remains important that the indicated that the HS2 station services on HS2 and improved by enhancing existing services total journey time to London, could be at EMP. There are no existing services which would without major significant altera- including interchange time, Green Belt or flood plain issues, serve Nottingham, Leicester and tion to the existing classic rail should not exceed the current and EMP gives better accessibil- Derby better than Toton. network. Currently Nottingham fastest times or the High Speed ity and regeneration benefits to We welcomed changes to the is 10 minutes away, Derby 13 project will become discredited. north west Leicestershire with- planned route for High Speed out detracting from the wider Two that were announced by the regional benefits. Government in November. A new spur from HS2 could be We were pleased that tunnelling built from north of EMP, avoid- under East Midlands Airport has ing Trent Junction and joining the been abandoned, reducing both line to Nottingham near Atten- cost and enhancing the passen- borough. This could be used for ger experience. a Javelin-style high speed service But we believe the changes from Nottingham to Birming- ham and possibly Bristol. enhance the prospects for an HS2 Picture: FRANCIS TAYLOR Hub at East Midlands Parkway We would still support the pro- station, rather than Toton. posal for a tram extension to We believe EMP has far better Toton on regeneration grounds. connectivity to the existing road n Terry Holt is chairman of Rail- and rail network than Toton, future East Midlands giving better access to the three ­cities of Nottingham, Leicester RAIL IN THE DALES: This picture of Ribblehead viaduct ISSN 0267-5943 and Derby, and very significantly by Francis Taylor is one of the exceptional pictures in the 51 East Midlands Airport. Landscape Photographer of the Year contest. The exhibition The newly dualled A453 road has been to London’s Waterloo and London Bridge stations. It runs close to EMP and provides is at Glasgow Central until 25 March, at Liverpool Lime Street quick access to the A50 and M1 27 March-8 April, Manchester Piccadilly 10 April-22 April, roads. But road access to Toton Leeds 24 April-13 May, Birmingham New Street 15 May-27 May, would be primarily via the A52, Charing Cross 29 May-10 June and Paddington 12 June-24 June 9 770267 594000